In a bid to boost the tourism sector, Myanmar has allowed visitors from six new countries to obtain visas on arrival. Starting in October, passport-holders from Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Spain and Italy may now purchase tourism visas after they land in Yangon, Naypyidaw and Mandalay. Visas on arrival cost USD 50.

The relaxed visa requirements are the latest in a long effort by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (MHT) to counteract disappointing tourism numbers following the country’s transition to democracy. In the last four years, MHT has introduced e-visa tourist applications, replacing a tedious in-person application process, as well as paperless visas.

Last year, visitors from several Asian countries were granted either visa-free entry or tourist visas on arrival. As a result, the MHT claimed 2.14 million foreign visitors entered the country in the first half of 2019. It is contrasted with 1.72 million during the same period in 2018.

However, just because the MHT is broadening its scope beyond Asia does not necessarily mean it will see a similar spike in tourism from the West. Recent fighting in Myanmar’s border regions and allegations of human rights abuses have driven many American, Australian and European tourists to choose other Southeast Asian destinations instead of Myanmar.

But whether from Asia, Europe or both, the tourism sector is bracing for a boom. Several domestic airlines have expanded their fleets and routes, and the Yangon Region Tourism Working Committee granted permits for 21 new hotels between May and August, reported the Daily Eleven. The total investment for those new hotels will be almost USD 240 million.