Kayah State in Myanmar Sees Tourism Boom

(Image Source: Travel Weekly)

After a long ban on tourists, Kayah State in eastern Myanmar is now ready to welcome tourists from all over. Tourists are pouring in for getting a glimpse of its untouched beauty and this remote place is aiming to develop its untapped tourism potential without endangering its natural beauty. For many tourists visiting the region, fortune telling is a popular attraction. Four years ago, things started to change for this region, which was blocked from the outside world for decades. A ceasefire agreement between the government and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) has resulted in a steady stream of tourists in this hidden gem of Myanmar, which is rich in unspoiled natural treasure and diverse ethnic tribes.

Now daily flights operate between Yangon and the state’s capital of Loikaw, while fleet of tourist boats arrive from Inle Lake, a nearby spot. Kayah State has untapped tourism potential in its rustic charm. Many guesthouses have opened there which are booked every weekend by tourists. However, many fear that this old-world charm could soon be lost as people in Kayah State might look to quickly exploit the situation in lure of tourist dollars. There are also some challenges like hospitality, which is poor and over-priced. Local transportation is limited and waste management is a challenge. However, one cannot deny the fact that the eastern state, one of the poorest in the country, needs income from tourism in order to move forward. Sustainable tourism is needed for creating more jobs and generating incomes for businesses and local communities. Many villagers have been trained as community guides, who take visitors around the hamlets and pass on stories of their history and way of life. Many villages there now have running water, Internet connectivity with better roads and financial improvement.