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