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Despite Increased Visitors, Tourism Industry Struggles to Recover  

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Tourist visits to Mon State have surged in recent months, particularly to popular destinations like Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock), Mawlamyine, and Hpa-An. Monthly arrivals now number in the tens of thousands, making this year the busiest for tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the tourism industry remains largely stagnant, with businesses struggling to resume operations, according to industry insiders.  

Many tourism-dependent sectors, such as licensed tour guides and hotels, are still unable to fully recover, especially as international tourists—a key market—have yet to return. 

A representative of the Mon and Karen tourism sector said, “We rely more on foreign visitors than locals. Without them, many in the industry have no work. The few international visitors we see are mostly here for business, not leisure. Tour guides, in particular, remain out of work.”  

According to the junta’s Department of Hotels and Tourism, nearly one million domestic and international tourists visited Mon State in the first half of 2024, marking a 61% increase from previous years. Despite this, hotels and motels report declining occupancy rates, with many forced to shut down temporarily.  

“In Mawlamyine, tourist stays are almost non-existent. Most guests are business travelers. In Mudon or Ye, hotels only open when there are weddings or large gatherings. Many hotels remain closed, and those still operating are barely breaking even,” said a hotel owner in Mawlamyine.  

Mon State, which has seen fewer armed conflicts than other regions, has been designated by the military junta as a key area for its operations. As part of this strategy, hotel and tourism business owners are frequently summoned and pressured to comply with development directives.  

However, tight security measures, including strict checks on visiting tourists and heavy surveillance, deter many travelers. Resistance groups have also issued warnings, urging citizens to limit travel or adhere to specific schedules to avoid conflict zones.  

The impact of the military coup continues to ripple through Myanmar’s tourism sector. Some regions, including conflict-prone areas, remain under international travel advisories. In September 2023, the UK government issued a warning against travel to parts of Myanmar, reflecting ongoing safety concerns in the country.

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