Bagan Sees Rise in Jan–Apr Visitor Arrivals Year on Year

The Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone is expected to attract more visitors in the first four months of this year than in the same period last year, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Bagan Branch).

During the international New Year and the Myanmar New Year festivals, domestic and foreign visitors visited the Bagan archaeological zone, especially the 18 famous pagodas and temples, and those featuring ancient mural paintings, were crowded with visitors. And so, it is estimated that visitor arrivals this year will surpass those of the same four-month period last year.

“Compared to the first four months of last year, the number of domestic and foreign visitors up to the end of these four months this year is not significantly different. However, if there are no issues such as extreme heat or fuel shortages in late March and April, the number of visitors is expected to increase noticeably compared to last year. We are pleased to see a steady increase in tourist arrivals year by year. As the full moon day of Kason falls at the end of this month, we expect more visitors to come. Including this holiday period, it can be said that more tourists will visit Bagan compared to the previous four months. It is encouraging to see the continuous growth in tourist arrivals each year. Since there will be a four-day holiday including the Kason full moon day, we would like to invite pilgrims and travellers from across the country to visit Bagan,” said Daw San San Myint, assistant director of the department.

During the recent four-day Thingyan festival, more than 9,000 local and foreign visitors came to Bagan. In comparison, over 14,000 visitors were recorded during the same period last year. Although there was a decrease of about 5,000 visitors due to extreme heat and fuel difficulties, the total number of visitors during the first four months of this year did not decline compared to last year.

Last year, more than 530,000 domestic and international visitors arrived in Bagan by April. This year, more than 510,000 visitors had already arrived by 25 April, and with the expected crowds during the Kason full moon period at the end of April, the total number is projected to exceed last year’s figure.

Oktha/KTZH

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar