Myanmar’s once-restricted tourist sites are becoming places of interest among the foreign visitors, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.
Many famous sites such as Mogok city in
Mandalay Region and Mrauk Oo in Rakhine State were once barred to
foreign visitors. Although many are now open, some still requite special
permits.
"In Rakhine, tourists are interested in
Sittwe and Mrauk Oo. These places are no longer restricted sites.
Currently, tourists are starting to visit Mogok. The tourists come from
various lands - both eastern and western countries," said Myint Tun Oo,
Deputy Director of the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.
Mogok is renowned worldwide for being
home to high-quality gemstones especially rubies and sapphires.
Foreigners were banned to visit the place un until March 2013 when the
Myanmar government reviewed the restricted sites for foreign visitors.
The place can now be visited if the tourist has obtained the required
special permit from the authorities.
Mrauk Oo is famous for having a
collection of several ancient pagodas. It used to be a well known
destination among tourists interested in history and culture. However,
the visit to Mrauk Oo was banned when a communal violence broke out in
Rakhine State last year. Permission is now required before arrival to
visit the place.
Among the tourists who had applied the
special permits to visit the earlier-restricted tourism sites include
those from Thailand, China, India, Germany and the United States,
according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.
"Tourists will visit Mogok as it is open
now. But there are still security concerns in Rakhine Region. Those
taking interest in gems and precious stones and the natural lovers visit
Mogok for the roads to the city are beautiful and full of nature.
Visitors will be interested in the place," said Zaw Win Cho, chairperson
of the tourist guides association.
"We have to apply permits for tourists
who want to visit Rakhine State. There are some tourists who have been
to Myanmar for three or four times. They want to visit some new places,
especially Mrauk Oo. They want to see ancient pagodas there," said Kaung
Set Zaw, General Manager of Golden Express Travel Company.
source: Eleven Myanmar
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