The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism recently released data showing that from January to September this year, more than 1.3 million foreign tourists entered Myanmar through its international airports. This represents 390,000 more visitors or a 41 percent rise compared to the same period last year.

The increase is mostly attributed to Asian visitors thanks to relaxed visa rules issued last year by the government. China remained as the top foreign inbound tourist market, followed by Thailand with Japan coming in third place.

Tourism income though had decreased in the past years because of the fewer number of western travellers who traditionally enjoy longer stays and a higher spending power than Asian travellers.