MANDALAY, one of largest cities in Myanmar, has seen increased numbers of international visitors over the past five months, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
Between January and May this year, nearly 160,000 tourists entered the city, an increase of 22 per cent over the same period last year, said an official from the region’s department of hotels and tourism.
The majority of travelers are from China, followed by Thailand, the U.S and UK, tour operators say.
There are now 11 domestic airlines and 28 international airlines operating in Myanmar.
Tada-U airport, located 35km south of Mandalay, is one of only three international airports in the country and is a significant gateway for visitors. An increase in carrier services and demand have seen the number of tourists coming to Myanmar rise year on year.
Mandalay, a city of just over 1.2 million located 716km north of Yangon on the Ayeyawady river, was the last royal capital of Myanmar and boasts a strong cultural heritage.
242,566 international tourists visited Mandalay in 2014. The most popular sites for tourists are Myanansankyaw Golden Palace, Mandalay Hill, Maha Muni Pagoda, U Bein Bridge and the Golden Temple, Ahtumashi Monastery.
It is thought they also enjoy the laid back lifestyle of its residents and the city’s traditional handicraft businesses including gold embroidery and gold foil workshops.—200
Source: The Global New Light Of Myanmar
