Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Myanmar Tourism Federation Host Welcoming Ceremony

Yangon International Airport (YIA) hosted the welcoming ceremony for tourists from Japan, South Korea and China as the celebration for lifting visa restriction to Myanmar on 1 October 2018.

The welcoming ceremony was held at Terminal 1 on 1 October, 2018 and was graced by H.E U Ohn Maung, Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism and H.E U Kyaw Myo, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport. Officials from Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar Tourism Federation, Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM), Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), respective Ambassadors from Japan, South Korea and China Embassies, and YIA officials were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, H.E U Ohn Maung said “This event is a tremendous opportunity for us to promote tourist arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Macao. Myanmar is rich in cultural heritage, untouched beaches, majestic mountains and other wonders that cannot find anywhere else in the world. I would like to say that a journey to Myanmar is a journey of self-discovery in the sense that tourists can enjoy the beauty of nature, explore the way of life of the hospitable local people and discover the greatness of a thousand-year-old history.”

The officials warmly welcomed 109 Chinese passengers travelling on board Air China CA-415 flight from China arriving in YIA Terminal 1 at 11:30 AM, The passengers were welcomed with a performance of traditional Myanmar dances including Shwe yoe, Kyaukse Elephant Dance and Thu Nge Daw dance performances and was gifted with souvenirs. 

Furthermore, the passengers flying with All Nippon Airways (ANA) NH-813 arriving at YIA Terminal 1 at 4:10 PM and the passengers from Korean Air (KE-471) arriving at YIA Terminal 1 at 10:05 PM will also be welcomed with traditional Myanmar dances and souvenirs.

Visa-free travel to tourists from Japan and South Korea and Visa On Arrival to Chinese citizens, including those from Hong Kong and Macau special administrative regions, will be granted for a trial period from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism Deputy Director General Daw Khin Than Win. These visa arrangements are being made to support the development of the Myanmar tourism and travel sector, and to ease the entry for international tourists.