YANGON, Myanmar— Myanmar’s tourism industry is mounting its most ambitious international comeback effort since the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s prolonged political crisis, promoting a major International Travel Expo in Yangon as a signal that it is ready to welcome visitors back.
The announcement, highlighted by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, describes Myanmar as “gearing up for a major tourism revival” and positions the June travel expo as a platform to reconnect with regional and international travel partners. Organizers say the event aims to attract buyers and tourism stakeholders from ASEAN, Europe, and other international markets while showcasing Myanmar’s tourism assets and encouraging new business partnerships.
The tourism push comes as Myanmar seeks to rebuild visitor arrivals and restore confidence in destinations such as Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. Industry sources report rising visitor numbers in some tourism hubs and renewed efforts to strengthen regional connectivity through aviation, trade events, and tourism promotion campaigns.
However, the revival campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of continuing controversy within ASEAN and the broader international community.
Safety Concerns Remain
While Myanmar tourism officials and local industry representatives argue that key tourism corridors remain accessible and secure for guided travel, many foreign governments continue to advise against travel to the country. Travel advisories issued by the United States, Australia, and other governments cite armed conflict, civil unrest, arbitrary detention risks, landmines, and ongoing security concerns.
The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Myanmar, citing armed conflict and serious human rights concerns. Australia similarly warns that the security situation remains unpredictable, including in major cities frequented by foreign visitors.
This divergence has created a complicated reality for travel advisors and tour operators throughout ASEAN. Some regional tourism businesses are cautiously re-engaging with Myanmar, while others remain hesitant due to liability, insurance, and reputational considerations.
Human Rights Continue to Shape ASEAN Debate
Beyond security concerns, human rights remain a central issue affecting Myanmar’s reintegration into regional tourism networks.
ASEAN has struggled for years to balance engagement with Myanmar against concerns surrounding the country’s political situation following the 2021 military takeover. Myanmar’s leadership has largely remained excluded from major ASEAN summits, and regional governments continue to press for implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus aimed at reducing violence and promoting dialogue.
International pressure has also intensified. In April, the European Union extended sanctions against Myanmar for another year, citing ongoing human rights violations and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. The EU referenced continued reports of civilian displacement, detentions, and violence while reiterating calls for political dialogue and the release of detainees.
Human rights organizations argue that tourism promotion efforts cannot be separated from broader governance concerns. Critics question whether international tourism events risk normalizing conditions that many governments and civil society groups still deeply contest.
Tourism’s Dilemma
For ASEAN’s tourism sector, Myanmar presents a difficult dilemma.
The country possesses some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic cultural and natural attractions, and many local communities depend heavily on tourism income. Industry advocates argue that carefully managed tourism can support livelihoods, preserve heritage, and maintain people-to-people connections during periods of political uncertainty.
At the same time, travel businesses face growing scrutiny from travelers who increasingly consider ethical, safety, and human rights factors when choosing destinations.
As Yangon prepares to host international tourism stakeholders this month, the event is likely to serve as more than a travel trade gathering. It will also become a test of how ASEAN’s tourism industry navigates one of the region’s most complex challenges: balancing economic recovery and regional engagement with ongoing concerns over security, governance, and human rights.
Whether Myanmar’s tourism revival gains broad international acceptance may depend not only on visitor numbers and investment opportunities, but also on progress toward the stability and political reconciliation that many ASEAN partners continue to seek.
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