Arakan State tourism needs authorities’ support, stakeholders say

By Admin 29 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
29 June 2023, Sittwe

The tourism industry in Arakan State has failed to thrive because successive governments have barely supported the industry, according to local residents and business owners.

Arakan State’s largely unspoilt tourism destinations include the world-famous Ngapali Beach, Wun Paik mangrove forest, which is the second largest mangrove forest in Asia, the coral reefs of Manaung Township, a marine national park in Rathedaung Township, the Sai Tin waterfall in Buthidaung Township, and the ancient city of Mrauk-U.

However, those attractions have received few visitors due to various factors including poor transportation networks and a lack of tourism promotion.

“To attract visitors, the government must ensure smooth transportation. In Kyaukphyu, there are many destinations besides the beach. The government and local business owners must develop those destinations,” said Daw Thin Thin, owner of ‘Summit Center’ department store in Kyaukphyu.

Special economic zone projects to be implemented in Kyaukphyu and Ramree townships have a hotel zone, but few efforts have been made for development of tourism there, said business owners. 

“If the Wun Paik mangrove forest can be developed into an ecotourism site, it will facilitate the development of the tourism industry. We locals can’t do that. The government must grant the budget for that,” said manager U Aung Moe Kyaw of the Varanasi Hotel in Kyaukphyu. 

In Arakan State, it is largely Thandwe, Mrauk-U and Sittwe that attract holidaymakers, whereas other townships barely receive visitors.

“The Tourism industry plays an important part in the national economy. A tourism industry boom will create a lot of jobs for locals, and also help broaden their horizons,” said travel blogger Ma Aye Thada Hlaing from Arakan State.

Arakan State’s tourism industry has been battered repeatedly over the past decades by communal strife, armed conflicts, the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 military coup.