ASIA DMC SHOWCASES THE AUTHENTIC CULTURES OF MYANMAR AS UNSPOILED SOUTH OPENS UP TO TRAVEL

Tuesday 20 February 2018 15:10
Award-winning destination management company, ASIA DMC, is aiming to showcase even more of Myanmar to curious travellers, using its pioneering "Spirit of Travel" philosophy to deliver culturally authentic, sustainable and original experiences all across this alluring country.

Since Myanmar opened up to international travel at the start of this decade, the country has welcomed an ever-increasing number of visitors, reaching an estimated 5.57 million arrivals in 2017¹.

But tourism has still only scratched the surface in Myanmar; the country's visitor numbers are just a fraction of those achieved by other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, and away from popular destinations like Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake, Myanmar still has plenty of fascinating destinations that are just waiting to be explored.

Myanmar's southern coastline for example, including the Mergui Archipelago with its breath-taking white sandy beaches and secluded bays, is on the verge of opening up to international visitors, with a series of new resorts being planned for this pristine destination.

Wa Ale Eco Lodge is scheduled to soft-open in April 2018, featuring just 11 Luxury Tented Beach Villas and nine Treetop Villas on pristine Wa Ale Island. And Memories Group is creating Awei Pila, a stunning 26-room luxury beachfront eco-resort, which is planning to welcome its first guests in October 2018. Unique, original and environmentally-conscious, these exquisite boutique resorts are perfectly in tune with ASIA DMC's Spirit of Travel philosophy.

ASIA DMC offers plenty of opportunities for guests to uncover Myanmar's under-explored southern peninsula, including stunning beaches, traditional fishing villages, classical colonial architecture and more.

For example, guests can now travel overland from Mawlamyine - Myanmar's fourth largest city and the gateway to the south - to Dawei. This 320km journey was off-limits for decades, but visitors are now able to uncover an array of enthralling attractions along the route. These include the world's largest reclining Buddha in Mudon, the starting point of the "Death Railway" at Thanbyuzaya, and a journey through the dramatic mountains of southern Mon State.

A visit to Dawei allows guests to explore the town's enchanting blend of local and colonial architecture, meet local farmers and fishermen and learn about traditional Burmese medicine, before heading to a pristine beach and hot springs that are said to have healing powers. Finally, visitors will be able to explore Myeik, one of Myanmar's oldest fishing ports, and explore the surrounding rural scenery and idyllic islands.

All along this incredible journey, guests will be able to interact with local people and experience authentic rural life in this remote region, including untouched islands, rustic villages, rice fields and cottage industries.

"While tourism in Myanmar has come a long way in a short space of time, the country is still wonderfully undiscovered and unspoiled, with many spectacular destinations still just waiting to be explored – especially in the south," commented Gerben Bloemendaal, Managing Director of ASIA DMC Myanmar. "There is so much potential in the country and it is pleasing to see that investors remain confident, with a series of exciting new hotels, resorts and tourism facilities being developed across the country.

"This incredible country is home to approximately 135 tribes and ethnic groups. Through our unique Spirit of Travel philosophy, ASIA DMC will continue to provide guests with a wide range of authentic experiences and cultural discoveries in Myanmar," Gerben added.

With international visitor arrivals to Myanmar expected to increase threefold over the next decade, reaching 16.66 million by 2027², the country's tourism landscape is likely to change significantly. This will present both opportunities and challenges to Myanmar, but ASIA DMC will always aim to bring the Spirit of Travel to every destination, spreading the benefits of tourism to communities in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious manner.

For more information about ASIA DMC's activities and experiences in Myanmar, please visitwww.asiadmc.com/destinations/myanmar.