THE new five-day bridge holidays recently declared can improve tourism and increase domestic and international travel, as hotels in popular tourist destinations are fully booked, said U Naung Naung Han, chairman of and increase domestic and international travel, as hotels in popular tourist destinations are the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association.
These bridge holidays have made it more convenient for employees and private businesses to make local and outbound trips.
“The five-day long holiday has made it better for tourism. For employees and private businesses, it is good for four or five days long local and outbound trips. Some plan for outbound tours,” he said.
For coming long holidays, hotels in popular destinations such as Mandalay, Bagan-NyaungU-Popa, Shan State – Kalaw, Taunggyi, Inlay – and PyinOoLwin, Kyaiktiyo, Hpa-an, Chaungtha, and Ngwehsaung are almost fully booked, with only one or two rooms left.
“There are many tours to various regions. As far as we know, almost every hotel in popular destinations is fully booked, including Shan State, Bagan, Chaungtha and Ngwehsaung. There are only one or two rooms left in many hotels, “ he said.
In addition to promoting existing cultural and pagoda festivals, new destinations should be developed and invested to attract tourists, he advised.
“There are some local promotions by tour management organizations in areas such as Pyay and Bago Region. Activities like flower festivals can attract public interest. Existing cultural and pagoda festivals in respective regions should be promoted. If new fairs are developed in coordination with the relevant local authorities, more tourists can visit,” he said. — MT/ZN
