For a country that has been rated as the ‘World’s best tourist destination 2014”, one would expect tourist facilities to be adequate and a well established network to provide tourists with the comfort and convenience other Asian nations like Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia offer, which make them some of the most tourist friendly countries.
But Myanmar is a tourist nation with a difference. Lagging far behind in terms of development, poor infrastructure and communication facilities, but abundance of natural beauty, hundreds of pagodas and a taste of life difficult to find elsewhere, Myanmar beckons. Its enigma is bound to fade once it merges with Western ways and modern lifestyles that push away nature and leave yet another country exposed to the ills of advancement, more material than spiritual. With all these on offer, Myanmar is inching closer to the ‘tourist friendly’ label, and there are thousands of enthusiastic tourists who are happy to not have such an easy ride as they explore a country moving ahead slowly and steadily.
What makes a country tourist friendly
Scores of reviews are published online about most friendly and least friendly countries, which lead to preconceived notions about the place, the people and all that they have to offer. While a few general features help define the level of comfort tourists can expect in a place, we all know that developed and even many developing countries, which would be found to have all these features, are ranked unfriendly according to surveys. Venezuela and Bolivia are typical examples of this. They may have the physical attributes that make a place welcoming to tourists, but obviously security and soft skills must be lacking.
•Safety and security– Travel and tourist activities are ideally possible for the common man in a safe and secure environment where there is no threat, at least to life. It is probably for this reason that countries like Nigeria and Afghanistan lose out on tourism as an industry and the earnings that come with it. Neither is life safe, nor a guarantee of being able to leave.
Myanmar scores since it is one of the safest countries and Yangon widely regarded as one of the world’s safest cities. With the decades of military rule, fresh in the minds of the people, not even a handful would venture towards the other side of the law. The condition in Myanmar prisons is horrific, to put it mildly, and that serves as a major deterrent.
•Infrastructure– Tourism gets a whole new meaning in a country where the infrastructure is well developed. A country will be inviting enough for tourists if it has connectivity and is accessible through airports, railways, roads and seaways, besides public transport for commuting locally. Accommodation at multiple levels from hotels to hostels, dormitories and guest houses is imperative. Communication networks with telephones and internet are always sought to stay connected. Decent power and water supply, availability of food at restaurants and markets, medical aid and hospitals are some of the other conveniences that tourists consider essential.
Myanmar scores low on infrastructure facilities though cities like Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw are much better than smaller towns and villages. However, progress is evident and infrastructure is being given top priority by the government.
•Food and other amenities– The international traveler is often quite flexible where food is concerned, with enthusiasm for a taste of the local cuisine, and open to anything edible for sustenance. But increasingly, many tourists look for gastronomic delights. Cities generally do have restaurants big and small, cafes and roadside stalls, besides ready-to-eat foods available in supermarkets.
Myanmar has a distinct Asian cuisine that is an interesting blend of Indian and Thai cooking styles…at least from the taste of it. Big cities offer a wide array of eating places offering both local and International cuisines, the most famous being the tea shops, which are found in rural areas as well. Villages have limited local fare sold in very simple outlets.
•Attitude of the locals– The international traveler looks for acceptance and approval when he visits a new place. A friendly word, a bit of information, and assistance in finding places, make him feel welcome. Most tourist friendly places have a friendly populace who go all out to help tourists, and this adds to their charm.
The nicest thing about Myanmar is its people, who are so simple, warm and friendly. Their smiling faces put you at ease and the lack of aggression is what strikes newcomers. The only drawback is that very few people speak English, but they always look for a fellow citizen who does. Conversing and understanding, hence becomes a bit of a frustrating experience.
The route to economic progress for Myanmar depends a lot on tourism before other industries take over, since this can be the quickest revenue earner. This fact is well understood by the government and efforts are already in place to make the place more tourist friendly, to attract more people and ensure that they have a good time in the Golden Land.