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Myanmar
Tourism officials now say that international flights may not resume until Oct.
Lockdown Status
Partial
Inbound Travel
Partial
Outbound Travel
Partial
Confirmed
361
Deaths
6
Active
37
5 Day Rolling Ave
+0
Source: John Hopkins University via COVID19 API (2020-08-12)
Latest Travel Industry News
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9 Aug inboundBagan Plastic Campaign undertook a plastic tidy-up on Bagan ancient cultural zoneSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/bagan-plastic-campaign-leads-trash-collecting-in-ancient-cultural-zone/
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7 Aug aviationMyanmar Airways International has seen domestic flights picking up slowly, and is now swing 3-5 hoursâ of usage compared to its previous 10-11 hours. However, it has still managed to operate 250 flights from Mar to late Jul, including some charter flights. However, it still plans to add 4 Embraer E190s by the year-end, as well as 4 A320s by early 2021Source: www.flightglobal.com/strategy/myanmar-airways-international-bucks-trend-with-planned-growth/139672.article?adredir=1
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7 Aug inboundMyanmar has been added to Level 3: Reconsider Travel to the travel advisories for US citizensSource: mm.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-8720/
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6 Aug inboundThe Hotels and Tourism Ministry have reminded the public that the reopening of tourism destinations is subject to change. Local tour operators say that they have had to cancel tours because of the limitations of attractions being closedSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-tourist-spots-reopening-changes-depend-covid-19-situations.html
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6 Aug inboundThe Mandalay Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for tourist destinations to be reopened to local tourists to help the hotels and service industry surviveSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/reopen-domestic-tourism-support-local-employees-mandalay-businesses-urge.html
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4 Aug inboundAung San Suu Kyi has confirmed that she will be running for a second term in Myanmarâs upcoming November electionsSource: www.thaipbsworld.com/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-confirms-contesting-for-second-term/
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4 Aug inboundMyanmarâs economy is forecast to bounce back at a faster pace than regional averages, one of the few countries not to enter negative GDP growth in 2020Source: mmbiztoday.com/myanmars-economy-to-rebounce-faster-than-the-regional-and-global-average/
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4 Aug inboundAyeryarwady Region will now allow businesses to invest in hotels and tourism, amongst other sectorsSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/ayeyarwady-shan-advance-investment-promotion-plans.html
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3 Aug inboundTourism officials now say that international flights may not resume until OctSource: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/08/myanmar-no-flights-before-october/
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3 Aug inboundOccupancy at hotels in Mandalay and Bagan is reaching 75% on long weekends and public holidays. Around 200 travel companies have benefited from a stimulus packageSource: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/08/myanmar-no-flights-before-october/
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31 Jul inboundCOVID-19 preventive measures across the country have been extended from 31 Jul to 15 Aug. In addition, Ayeryarwady Regionâs hotels, resorts and beaches will only reopen after receiving approval to do so, but no official announcement has yet been madeSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/ayeyarwady-beaches-and-resorts-remain-limits.html
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31 Jul inboundMyathalun pagoda in Magway region requested to reopen on 28 JulSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/magway-myathalun-pagoda-likely-to-reopen-in-august/
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31 Jul inboundDespite the announcement that pagodas can reopen up on 30 Jul, some pagodas will remain closedSource: mizzima.com/article/some-pagodas-yangon-cannot-reopen-despite-permission
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31 Jul inboundDomestic tourists have started to return to Hpa-An, with hotels at 80% occupancy even on weekdays due to its close location to YangonSource: www.irrawaddy.com/travel/travelers-return-hpa-myanmars-domestic-tourism-reopens.html
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30 Jul inboundThe Ministry of Health & Sport will allow gatherings of a maximum of 15 people from 1 AugSource: mmbiztoday.com/mohs-allows-gatherings-but-not-more-than-15-people/
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30 Jul inboundPagodas and temples in Yangon region will be reopened on 30 Jul, in accordance with the health and safety guidelinesSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/pagodas-temples-in-yangon-region-reopen-today/
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29 Jul inboundThe flight suspension to Myanmar has been extended to 31 Aug. However, there are some âfast lanesâ for essential businesses and officials upon request. These have started with China and Japan, and will be extended gradually to other countries. Myanmar citizens will also be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment, studying abroad or working abroad on specially arranged flightsSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/international-flight-suspension-myanmar-extended-until-august-31.html
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29 Jul inboundMandalay region has closed Baganâs most important temples and pagodas o close at Baganâs archaeological zone ahead of the long weekend, heavily affecting the regionâs tourism as customers cancelled toursSource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-closes-bagans-temples-ahead-weekend-holiday-amid-covid-19-fears.html
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29 Jul aviationThai AirAsia announced plans to resume the following routes in Aug from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport to Phnom Penh, Singapore and YangonSource: centreforaviation.com/news/thai-airasia-to-resume-services-on-16-aug-2020-1014057
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29 Jul inboundDaw Aung San Suu Kyi has discussed reopening movie production operations, as well as reopening cinemasSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/state-counsellor-discusses-restarting-movie-production-operations-during-covid-period-with-movie-industry-senior-executives/
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28 Jul inboundThe government is considering reducing rent for tourism businesses on state land, such as hotels. Of the countryâs 2,000 hotels, only 1,200 have reopened. The government also wants to launch incentive travel programs to healthcare personnel and volunteersSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/govt-considers-reducing-rent-hotels-occupying-state-owned-land.html
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23 Jul inboundJapan announced that it is looking at relaxing entry restrictions for business travellers from 12 Asian territories, including Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos from SE Asia. Travellers would still need to self-quarantine for 14-days, pass a COVID test and not take public transportationSource: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-singapore-and-japan-will-work-towards-resuming-essential-travel
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22 Jul inboundMyanmar partially reopened government schools, with 3,772 hotels reopening. Middle schools and primary schools are expected to reopen in 4-8 weeksSource: mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200722/p2g/00m/0in/043000c
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17 Jul inboundA new hotel zone will be established near Shwesettaw pagoda in Magway, including an ecotourism project with wildlife sanctuaries. Work is expected to start in Feb 2021Source: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/hotel-zone-to-be-established-near-shwesettaw/
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16 Jul outboundTaiwan has now designated Myanmar as having a low or low-to-moderate risk, allowing Myanmar international students to return to study at Taiwan universitiesSource: www.mizzima.com/article/myanmar-students-allowed-return-taiwan
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16 Jul inboundMore than half of the tourism industry will be closed for the next 6 months, according to the Tourism Ministry. They think that the economy will reduce consumer spending powerSource: 7day.news/%E1%80%94%E1%80%B1%E1%80%AC%E1%80%84%E1%80%BA%E1%80%81%E1%80%BC%E1%80%B1%E1%80%AC%E1%80%80%E1%80%BA%E1%80%9C%E1%80%A1%E1%80%90%E1%80%BD%E1%80%84%E1%80%BA%E1%80%B8-%E1%80%9F%E1%80%AD%E1%80%AF%E1%80%90%E1%80%9A%E1%80%BA%E1%80%94%E1%80%BE%E1%80%84%E1%80%B7%E1%80%BA%E1%80%81%E1%80%9B%E1%80%AE%E1%80%B8%E1%80%9E%E1%80%BD%E1%80%AC%E1%80%B8%E1%80%9C%E1%80%AF%E1%80%95%E1%80%BA%E1%80%84%E1%80%94%E1%80%BA%E1%80%B8%E1%80%91%E1%80%80%E1%80%BA%E1%80%9D%E1%80%80%E1%80%BA%E1%80%80%E1%80%BB%E1%80%B1%E1%80%AC%E1%80%BA-%E1%80%95%E1%80%AD%E1%80%90%E1%80%BA%E1%80%9E%E1%80%AD%E1%80%99%E1%80%BA%E1%80%B8%E1%80%9B%E1%80%99%E1%80%8A%E1%80%B7%E1%80%BA%E1%80%A1%E1%80%81%E1%80%BC%E1%80%B1%E1%80%A1%E1%80%94%E1%80%B1%E1%80%9B%E1%80%BE%E1%80%AD%E1%80%9F%E1%80%AF-%E1%80%92%E1%80%AF%E1%80%9D%E1%80%94%E1%80%BA%E1%80%80%E1%80%BC%E1%80%AE%E1%80%B8%E1%80%95%E1%80%BC%E1%80%B1%E1%80%AC------192416
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14 Jul inboundThe Union of Myanmar Travel Association has expressed worry at the potential of flights only reopening in Oct: âIt appears that we can no longer wait for Covid-19 to be eliminated. By the time Covid-19 is eliminated, tour operators will no longer have a business.âSource: www.nst.com.my/world/region/2020/07/608418/travel-ban-worry-myanmar
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14 Jul inboundMyanmar has extended its internal restrictions until 31 Jul, including the limiting of social gatherings, the curfew in Yangon of 12am â 4am and social distancing in publicSource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-extends-covid-19-restrictions-july-31.html
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13 Jul inboundBagan is starting to see more domestic tourists arrive from further afieldSource: www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/no-rain-no-visitors-and-no-income-bagan-adjusts-to-tourism-crash/
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13 Jul inboundMyanmar are planning to allow Chinese travellers with urgent business matters to enter the country under a âFast Trackâ scheme with a special quarantine program. The Chinese travellers could arrive into Myanmar via relief, special and chartered flights. They plan to expand this scheme to other countries too. Travellers must bring a negative COVID-19 test, and will undergo 2 swab tests. After 5 days, they will be able to do their work. Costs will be borne by the travellersSource: www.bnionline.net/en/news/chinese-business-travellers-allowed-entry-myanmar-under-new-scheme
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11 Jul inboundThe government will create a fund of 500 billion kyats to support businesses, including those in tourism. The loans will help to pay salaries and will be at a 1% interest rateSource: www.irrawaddy.com/business/business-roundup/irrawaddy-business-roundup-26.html
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11 Jul inboundState Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with tourism players to discuss COVID-19âs impact. The Union Minister revealed that the industry is currently seeing less than 10% of previous figures and that resumption of the industry is the best way to support it, as funds are limited. She Aung San Suu Kyi commented that she did not want to see Myanmar become a country where tourists go to travel cheaply, where visitors can connect âheart to heartâ and âmind to mindâSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/state-counsellor-discusses-impact-of-covid-on-hotels-and-tourism-sector-with-stakeholders/
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10 Jul aviationThe numbers of passengers to Yangon International Airport have decline 96% YoY from Mar-May. The airport has had to reduce salaries of airport staff, from 25% to 5%Source: elevenmyanmar.com/news/virus-hit-local-tourism-the-continued-shutdown-of-yangon-international-airport-and-weak-signal
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10 Jul outboundFit to fly certificates will be available for urgent overseas travelSource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-issues-covid-19-travel-fit-certificates-urgent-overseas-trips.html
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10 Jul inboundThe Vice President has said that it is unlikely Myanmar will open its doors until Oct, with international commercial flights only after Q3. The government plans to start travel bubbles with Thailand and Vietnam, and after those are successful, with Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Macau. The Myanmar Airways International GM said, âIf the ban is extended until October, airlines, airport operators and all the tour operators would collapseâSource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/intl-passenger-flights-likely-banned-october-myanmar-vice-president.html
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10 Jul outboundThe Ministry of Health has begun COVID-19 tests to provide certificates for fit-to-fly for urgent overseas travelSource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-issues-covid-19-travel-fit-certificates-urgent-overseas-trips.html
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9 Jul outboundJapan is planning to start talks about restarting business flights in mid-Jul with 10 more economies, including MyanmarSource: asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-looks-to-reopen-business-travel-with-10-more-Asian-economies
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8 Jul inboundJust 82 foreigners arrived in April into Myanmar. The Tourism Ministry is looking at creating a âSafe and Enchanting Travel in MyanmarâSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/vice-president-u-henry-van-thio-attends-national-tourism-development-central-committee-meeting/
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8 Jul inboundThe State Counsellor has asked for innovative ideas to develop the tourism industry in sustainable waysSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/state-counsellor-addresses-national-tourism-development-central-committee-meeting/
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6 Jul inboundMyanma Railways (MR) will reopen trains between Yangon to Bago and YeSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/mr-to-resume-train-services-to-bago-ye-from-yangon/
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6 Jul inboundThere have been 12 different looting incidents of temples in Bagan in Jun, with relics stolenSource: www.bangkokpost.com/world/1946608/looters-target-myanmar-temple-treasures-in-tourist-slump
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1 Jul inboundMyanmar continues to encourage people to visit different locations as domestic tourists within the countrySource: www.asiatraveltips.com/news20/17-LaosMyanmar.shtml
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1 Jul inboundMyanmarâs next General Election will be on 8 NovSource: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/myanmar-to-hold-general-election-on-nov-8-12891670
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30 Jun inboundThe partial lockdown in Yangonâs Insein township has been removed as of 1 Jul, meaning all stay-at-home orders have been lifted nationwideSource: www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmar-lifts-last-stay-home-restrictions-covid-19-epicenter.html
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30 Jun outboundThailand has opened up 37 border checkpoints on the borders with Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar to facilitate cross-border cargo and trading. Tourists will not be allowed to enter via these checkpoints stillSource: www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2020/06/30/cambodia-and-laos-happy-as-thailand-reopens-37-border-checkpoints
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30 Jun inbound800 hotels across 12 states and regions have reopened. The Chairman of Myanmar Tourism Marketing doesnât expect to see foreign tourists during the peak season of Oct 2020 â Feb 2021, but remains confident that domestic tourism will develop as hotels are discounting 25-30%Source: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/domestic-tourism-reopens-myanmar-businesses-struggle-get-back-feet.html
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29 Jun inboundMyanmar has extended its ban on incoming flights and visa issuances until 31 Jul. A 21-day quarantine will be imposed to all who enter the countrySource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-extends-covid-19-visa-flight-bans-july-31.html
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27 Jun inboundMyanmarâs COVID-19 preventive measures will be in extended until 15 Jul, including compulsory wearing of face masks in public, Yangon curfew between 12am â 4am, lockdowns at Insein township, gatherings of 5 people or more prohibitedSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-govt-extends-covid-19-preventive-measures-july-15.html
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25 Jun inboundDomestic tourism remains difficult for foreigners residing in Myanmar, with operators lacking clarification from the government, and various requirements needed, including recommendation lettersSource: www.myanmarmix.com/en/articles/can-foreign-nationals-really-travel-around-myanmar-now
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24 Jun aviationAirAsia is thinking of resuming international flights in Jul, with more potential routes filed including Kuala Lumpur to YangonSource: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/06/airasia-rethinks-july-flights/
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24 Jun outboundMall operators in Thailand call for the government to resume flights to CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) nations. Some 12% of visitors to the Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Sia, Paragon are all from CLMV nations, and spend an average of $3,250 per visitSource: www.phnompenhpost.com/business/thai-flights-will-reboot-trade?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=0836986aebe3e733b257c6ff1803dd1bbcd30bd6-1593049810-0-AaPuS4cOzPaEkp19ECGbDA0kcnHPNxGk5lSIL687PECRuQISe9--MNk2DxhWrowkVS0btcUjoFnbbPtvEDbdKoQhbSorSjZVjdmDBmAoBPP5XiUEu5Bk8bap-zMymruGmaleQ4r4hhYRKtoyfyoLAPLzyLHXVLpvoh2GRm3pcCQIGhmUvq-u1fJEU8ItemdlhiROonFBbl1MZBLE7vtVqwyfwJJmLVO18obhGhUOPJY6QOvvknVrivdaDjIe0SUSf7qPdCkpFdzdWx6HOU-GHiV2VHROzfDq3ol4wqzGDdwK7ZbzvwlpB4-a6xZR-C5VBz4r5WYvQ7lbmwdFzOZIKsw
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24 Jun inboundThe Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has clarified that there are no restrictions for foreigners who are already in Myanmar to travel domestically, unless they are residents of the Insein TownshipSource: www.myanmore.com/2020/06/no-restrictions-for-domestic-travel-in-myanmar/
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23 Jun inboundAn island and river in Rakhine State have been proposed to be designated a marine national park by a local conservation groupSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/conservation-group-proposes-marine-national-park-rakhine-coast.html
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23 Jun inboundUniversities have yet to have a date set for reopeningSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/no-timeframe-reopening-myanmar-universities.html
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22 Jun inboundThe Myanmar government will give K20,000 stimulus money to 5.4 million households in MyanmarSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/govt-plans-stimulus-payments-54m-households.html
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22 Jun inboundMyanmar Airways International (MAI) is expanding its fleet despite seeing a drop of 20-30% in demand. The airline has just taken possession of a second-hand A319, and expects to receive another 4 A320s by year-end. They will also take 4 more Embraer planes in Aug, in a bid to âposition MAI as the biggest carrier in Myanmarâ. Tourism revenue overall for Myanmar has dropped by more than 50% from Jan â May, with just $53.2 million USD generated vs. 2019âs $53.2 million USD. A quarter of the hotel industryâs 96,000 staff have lost their jobs, and half of tour operators have ceased operations. Just 680 hotels out of 2,000 in the country remain openSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-airways-gears-rebound-tourism.html
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21 Jun inbound8 hotels in Bagan have been granted permission to reopen as they have met the new criteriaSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/8-hotels-in-bagan-granted-to-reopen/
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20 Jun inboundDomestic tourism is expected to restart in Q3, with pagodas and cultural sites to reopen very soon. The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism expects Chinese and Japanese travellers to return in 2021, with a 50-60% recovery, and 80-90% recovery in 2022Source: www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2020/06/20/myanmar-to-restart-domestic-tourism-from-q3
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19 Jun inboundMyanmar recorded its highest level of imported cases, at 23, on 19 Jun, raising concerns about lifting the international flight banSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-reports-highest-single-day-surge-covid-19-cases.html
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17 Jun inboundElephant camps in the Mandalay region are preparing to reopen in OctoberSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/pyin-oo-lwin-elephant-camps-prepare-reopen.html
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16 Jun inboundDomestic local travellers are now required to carry recommendation letters from their residency when travelling around Myanmar, with the exception of travel to Yangon regionSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/recommendation-letters-required-domestic-travel-myanmar.html
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16 Jun inboundLong-haul bus companies are still suffering due to a lack of passengers â they have previously relied on domestic tourism and can only stay afloat if domestic tourism starts to recoverSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/long-distance-bus-companies-myanmar-face-tough-times-due-covid-19.html
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16 Jun inboundMyanmar expects its most severe economic impact to be from Sep 2020, but that its government is well-prepared to face thisSource: www.bangkokpost.com/business/1935800/myanmar-expects-worst-of-covids-economic-impact-from-sept
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15 Jun inboundMandalay has allowed gyms, parks, fitness centres and the Mandalay Gem Market to reopen, but weddings, pagoda festivals, cinemas and amusement parks are still not allowed to reopen. People returning to Mandalay region from outside the region must complete a 21-day community-based facility quarantine, followed by a home quarantine for 7 daysSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/mandalay-allows-reopening-gyms-training-centres-gem-market.html
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15 Jun inbound376 hotels and tourism businesses have been approved for a COVID-19 government loan. Once pagodas and museums are reopened, inbound tours will gradually run, according to the ministrySource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/hotels-tourism-sector-attacks-k180-bln-investment-in-h1-2019-2020fy/
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14 Jun inboundSchools are scheduled to reopen on 21 Jul, starting with high schools, then primary and middle schools 2 weeks laterSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/schools-close-again-if-covid-19-case-reemerges-after-opening-minister.html
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13 Jun outboundThe Thai government has approved in principle the concept of travel bubbles, and potential target countries and territories could include MyanmarSource: www.bangkokpost.com/business/1933984/ccsa-blows-towards-travel-bubble-plan
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13 Jun inboundThe international flights ban has been extended until 30 Jun from 15 Jun. Other lockdown measures are still in place until 30 Jun, including a Yangon curfew, lockdowns in Insein and Mayangone townships, gathering of 5 people or more and compulsory face mask wearing in publicSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-extends-covid-19-control-measures-flight-restrictions.html
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12 Jun inboundThe beta version of the Tourism National Guidelines have been compiled. The Ministry is looking at reopening pagodas and museums for domestic tourism, and are also preparing for adventure tourism, forming a Sports Tourism CommitteeSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/union-ministries-discuss-national-tourism-guidelines-for-covid-19-safe-services/
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12 Jun aviationThe new Bago international airport plans will still proceed. Located just 80km away from Yangon, the government believes that Yangon airport will reach full capacity by 2020 (based on pre-COVID rates), so a new airport is necessary. Other local airports such as Heho, Mawlamyine and Kawthaung, are also set to be upgradedSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/bago-airport-plan-still-ministry-says.html
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11 Jun inboundHigh schools may resume in July, gradually followed by other levelsSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/union-education-minister-holds-talks-on-school-reopening-plans/
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10 Jun inboundThe Ministry of Hotels and Tourism have announced their COVID-19 Tourism Relief Plan to help tourism operators, to run from Apr 2020 â Jan 2021: ⢠Phase 1 (Apr-Jun): low-interest loans. Between 9 Apr â 2 Jun, over 1,000 tourism businesses received K27 billion. Tax and license fee waivers ⢠Phase 2 (Jun-Aug): reopening Myanmarâs tourism. Government working to open regional tourism, and health and safety plans being developed ⢠Phase 3 (Aug-Jan 20201): begin promoting Myanmar internationally, with visa exemptions, ease of travel restrictions and boosting tourism infrastructureSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-announces-plan-support-embattled-tourism-sector.html
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10 Jun inboundAprilâs international arrival numbers were less than 100Source: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/moht-unveils-covid-19-relief-plan-to-restart-tourism-industry/
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9 Jun aviationDomestic airlines will need to cooperate with one another, the Ministry of Transport has said. Under new rules, airlines can only carry 75% of their capacity, and this strain may lead to smaller airlines requiring financial assistance or merging with larger onesSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/domestic-airlines-need-join-hands-survival-post-covid.html
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8 Jun inboundMore than a third of Myanmarâs businesses have temporarily closed according to a new survey and that 64% of businesses expect to face cash flow problems that will impact their survivalSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/covid-19-shuts-down-third-myanmar-businesses.html
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6 Jun inbound75% of Myanmar consumers feel mid-term uncertainty about the economy, with just 8% believing it will cause a long-lasting recession. 87% have revealed they are being very careful with how they spend money and 79% have already cut back on spendingSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/resilient-yet-uncertain-how-myanmar-consumers-are-feeling-midst-covid-19.html
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5 Jun inboundThe Deputy Minister of Hotels and Tourism said that the Myanmar government will work together with Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to introduce regional tourism, with the 4 countries signing an agreement to ease border access between them, although specific details have not yet been released. Visitors to Myanmar in Jan-Apr dropped by 44% YoY. New plans for tourism include focusing on âqualityâ travellers with higher spend. Tour companies are waiting for government guidelines to ensure safe reopening of their businessesSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-work-neighbours-revive-tourism.html
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4 Jun inboundDiffering quarantine regulations for inter-state travel is making it difficult for domestic tourism, with each region and state imposing their own conditionsSource: frontiermyanmar.net/en/inconsistent-quarantine-rules-leave-domestic-travel-uncertain
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3 Jun aviationThe government is considering a $24 million USD bailout for Myanmar National Airlines, as the airline is burning $4.8 million USD a month for operational expenses. The loan would only be considered if staff or pay cuts are implementedSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-mulls-24-million-loan-keep-national-airline-afloat.html
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2 Jun inboundThe opening of Falamâs airport in Chin state has been delayed due to COVID-19. It will be the 69th airport in MyanmarSource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/opening-first-airport-myanmars-chin-state-delayed-amid-covid-19.html
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1 Jun inboundMandalay-based highway buses will be allowed to resume travel to other states and regions from 1 JunSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/mandalay-reopens-highway-buses-to-states-regions/
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1 Jun inboundThe inbound entry ban has been extended until 15 JunSource: www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/01/c_139105867.htm
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1 Jun inboundThe Mekong Tourism Forum, scheduled to be held in Bagan in August, will be postponed to Feb 2021Source: www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Trade-Shows-and-Events/Mekong-Tourism-Forum-sets-new-date?utm_source=enews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TWAedaily
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31 May inboundAll government employees shall work at their offices from 1 JunSource: mizzima.com/article/all-myanmar-government-employees-will-return-work-starting-june-1
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29 May aviationAirAsia are considering resuming routes from Kuala Lumpur to Myanmar (Yangon)Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/05/airasia-resumes-more-flights-in-asia/
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27 May inboundA survey with tourism industry respondents has showed that 80% of MSMEs have been affected âextremely badlyâ, with confidence in the governmentâs support very low. Almost 90% have seen decreased revenue and 60% have had to reduce their workforce through furlough or redundancies. 53% also were not aware what government support is available. The Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association has been launching resilience packages for tourism businessesSource: www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmar-tourism-sector-needs-govt-support-covid-19-new-survey.html
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27 May aviationMore domestic airlines will resume services, including Air Thanlwin. Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines and Golden Myanmar Airlines have already started operating routes againSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/more-myanmar-airlines-resume-operations.html
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26 May inbound60 hotels and guesthouses in Mandalay have applied to reopen â only those who pass an inspection will be permitted to do so. They have to comply with 57 requirementsSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/60-hotels-guesthouses-seek-reopen-mandalay.html
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23 May inboundThere will be three stages in a roadmap for tourism, according to the Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism: 1. Survival, immediate action with the self-finance and stimulus package 2. Reopening and relaxing of lockdown and quarantine, to be implemented within 3-6 months 3. Relaunching, relaxing regulations and reinventing Myanmar tourism, to be implemented within 6-12 monthsSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/moht-discusses-finalizing-covid-19-tourism-strategic-roadmap/
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22 May inboundSchools are expected to reopen by mid-JulySource: www.mizzima.com/article/government-plans-open-schools-mid-july
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19 May inboundThe Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism held a video conference with Chinese tour operators in preparation for the eventual return of Chinese travellers. FIT travellers will not be prioritised in quality control, and package tours will need to operate on a prepaid system that covers health insurance and a Chinese speaking tour guide, as opposed to the âzero budgetâ toursSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/tour-operators-for-chinese-visitors-discuss-better-services-in-post-covid-19/
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17 May inboundThe curfew hours in Yangon have been shortened to 12am â 4amSource: www.mizzima.com/article/yangon-government-relaxes-curfew-hours-during-covid-19-crisis
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14 May aviationInbound flight restrictions have been extended until 31 MaySource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-extends-coronavirus-flight-ban-may-31.html
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14 May inboundRestrictions are to be eased in 4 townships in Yangon, with restaurants allowed to reopen. The Mandalay regional government also announced the easing of restrictions on businesses from 16 May in three stagesSource: www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmars-major-cities-ease-covid-19-business-restrictions.html
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13 May inboundA partial lockdown of 10 townships in Yangon has been extended until further noticeSource: www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/yangon-extends-lockdown-measures-myanmars-covid-19-hotspots.html
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11 May inboundMyanmarâs tourism industry expects to remain closed for the rest of 2020, with fewer foreign tourists over the next 2 yearsSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/tourism-operators-expect-recovery-two-years-best.html
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10 May aviationKorean Air will reopen its Seoul â Yangon route in JuneSource: simpleflying.com/korean-air-international-resumptions/
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9 May inboundA fund of $2.5 million USD has been set up in a 3rd phase of economic stimulus to support loans to 111 industrial and tourism companiesSource: www.irrawaddy.com/business/business-roundup/irrawaddy-business-roundup-18.html
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6 May inboundAccording to research by HVS, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) at Myanmar hotels fell by 15.1%, and the Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) dropped by 58.8% in March YoYSource: www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4098523.html
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5 May inboundMyanmar Tourism Marketing have launched twice-weekly online panels to update travel partners on how the country is handling COVID-19Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/05/myanmar-presents-twice-weekly-online-updates/
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5 May aviationThe first airport in Chin State is still expected to open in June, despite virus setbacksSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/construction-chin-state-airports-make-progress-despite-covid-19.html
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4 May inboundMore businesses designated as essential have been allowed to open, including hotels, motels and guesthousesSource: www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmar-govt-lists-essential-businesses-prioritized-reopening-amid-covid-19.html
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2 May inboundA 2nd fund of $142.8 million USD is set to be created by the government to help struggling businessesSource: tin.media/news/details/-myanmar-to-allocate-more-fund-to-provide-loans-to-vulnerable-businesses
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2 May inbound1,480 hotels were closed during March according to the Myanmar Hotelier AssociationSource: www.facebook.com/myanmartourismmarketing/photos/pcb.529611137718289/529610261051710/?type=3&theater
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30 Apr inboundMore than 500,000 tourism workers may lose their jobs, according to the Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA). They predict at least 6 months for just 10% of tourism operations to start again, whilst 9 months for all to be open once more, whilst they donât see normality returning until 2023Source: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-tourism-sector-braced-50-job-cuts-amid-covid-19-downturn.html
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26 Apr inboundThe ban on entry from other nationalities has been extended until 15 MaySource: www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/04/26/myanmar-extends-entry-restrictions-for-travellers-due-to-virus-outbreak
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24 Apr aviationIATAâs revised estimates show that passenger demand could fall by 48% in 2020, with a loss of $0.691 billion USD in revenue and 245,200 jobsSource: www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020-04-24-01/
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23 Apr inboundLand lease payments for 47 state-owned and private hotels will be deferred for 6 months. However, the Myanmar Hotelier Association has asked for an exemption, rather than just defermentSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-hotel-industry-receives-another-lifeline.html
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19 Apr aviationMyanmar National Airline are temporarily suspending all domestic and international flights until 30 AprSource: www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/mna-to-suspend-local-foreign-flights-until-30-april/
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16 Apr inboundHotel and tour businesses will not have to pay licence fees for one year until 31 Mar 2021Source: www.mmtimes.com/news/hotel-and-tour-businesses-myanmar-get-one-year-exemption-licence-fees.html
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12 Apr aviationThe ban on international flights has been extended to 30 AprSource: www.mizzima.com/article/yangon-airport-extends-flight-ban-over-covid-19-until-end-month
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6 Apr inboundAll civil servants are banned from travelling during Thingyan (Myanmar New Year). State and regional governments have ordered citizens to stay at home from 10 â 19 AprSource: www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmar-government-bans-staff-new-year-travel-stop-covid-19-spread.html
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2 Apr aviationAll international commercial flights cancelled until 13 Apr. Ministry of Tourism forecasts international arrivals to fall by 50% in 2020Source: britishchambermyanmar.com/en/news/will-myanmars-covid-19-stimulus-package-protect-key-sectors
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2 Apr outbound$800,000 USD of travel packages have been cancelled between the end of Jan to mid-March, according to the Union of Myanmar Travel AssociationSource: britishchambermyanmar.com/en/news/will-myanmars-covid-19-stimulus-package-protect-key-sectors
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18 Mar inboundMyanmar Government has introduced relief measures, including those for tourism businesses: ⢠Covid-19 fund established and funds may be borrowed at interest rate of 1% for one year ⢠Commercial tax and corporate income tax deadlines extended until end of Sep 2020Source: britishchambermyanmar.com/sites/britishchambermyanmar.com/files/publication_docs/pwc_newsletter_issue_25_1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2zHaE63aC6Nds8s9beLwrPMyF74IWanfnnlHDMTTZvp628Naqvr9VRiRc
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14 Mar inboundThe Ayeyarwady region has banned tour groups from visiting the beaches at Chaungtha, Ngwesaung and Gawyingi IslandSource: www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-bans-beach-tours-amid-covid-19.html?fbclid=IwAR0GAFsq46fCXRvCt-kcqgMgdHThtFK71c1OlZ6OT0b7MXlxVBgKfPiDGiQ
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12 Mar outboundAlmost all of the 100,000 air tickets which are usually issued for the Thingyan holidays in Myanmar have been cancelled, according to Daw Hla Darli Khin, managing director at Tour De Myanmar Travels and Tour. The agents face issues getting the refunds back from airlinesSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/outbound-tours-thingyan-collapse-amid-covid-19-fears.html
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27 Feb inboundThe Myanmar Tourism Federation says that âThe virus will affect not just the tourism sector, but also transportation, rentals, restaurants, and so on. It could reduce revenue by 40 to 50 percent or more.â They are urging the government to make plans to mitigate the effect on the tourism industry in MyanmarSource: www.mmtimes.com/news/covid-19-expected-cut-tourism-revenue-half.html
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22 Feb inboundEntry into Myanmar from Chinese tourists has dropped by 30%, according to the Yangon Region government ethnic Karen Affairs Minister Naw Pan Thinzar Myo. The number of tourists visiting Myanmar from other countries fell by 50%Source: mizzima.com/article/coronavirus-causes-fall-chinese-tourists-visiting-myanmar-30
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Policy Summary
Lockdown Status
Selected schools reopened. Mandalay reopened businesses from 16 May. Yangon curfew city-wide from 12am â 4am until 15 Aug. Localised lockdowns of buildings and streets with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Maximum gathering of 15 people, compulsory face mask wearing in public.
Travel Restrictions
All visa issuances suspended. All international flights are suspended until 31 Aug. 21-day quarantine on those who enter the country (IATA).
Containment Policies Timeline
How to read this graph
International Travel Restrictions
- 0 - no restrictions
- 1 - screening arrivals
- 2 - quarantine arrivals from some or all regions
- 3 - ban arrivals from some regions
- 4 - ban on all regions or total border closure
Internal Movement Restrictions
- 0 - no restrictions
- 1 - recommend not to travel between regions/cities
- 2 - internal movement restrictions in place
Stay At Home Requirements
- 0 - no measures
- 1 - recommend not leaving house
- 2 - require not leaving house with exceptions for daily exercise, grocery shopping, and 'essential' trips
- 3 - require not leaving house with minimal exceptions (eg allowed to leave once a week, or only one person can leave at a time, etc)
School Closures
- 0 - no measures
- 1 - recommend closing
- 2 - require closing (only some levels or categories, eg just high school, or just public schools)
- 3 - require closing all levels
Economy Summary
Fiscal support for the tourism industry
3rd fund of $2.5 million USD set up to support loans to 111 industrial and tourism companies (9 May)
2nd fund of $142.8 million USD is set to be created by the government to help struggling businesses (2 May)
Hotel and tour businesses will not have to pay licence fees for one year until 31 Mar 2021 (16 Apr)
Covid-19 fund established and funds may be borrowed at interest rate of 1% for one year (18 Mar)
Commercial tax and corporate income tax deadlines extended until end of Sep 2020 (18 Mar)
GDP Growth Rate
% per year
6.4
2018
6.8
2019
1.8
2020
forecast
6.0
2021
forecast
Inflation Rate
% per year
5.9
2018
8.6
2019
6.0
2020
forecast
6.0
2021
forecast
Source: Asian Development Bank. Asian Development Outlook (April 2020).
Tourism Arrivals Summary
International Tourism Arrivals
YoY % change
25.0
Jan
-38.0
Feb
-70.0
Mar
-100.0
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
đ About This Page
Travel impact dashboard is an easy-to-read resource to stay informed on the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry. Get the latest travel news and analysis on Southeast Asia tourism.
For travel professionals who need regular updates on their source markets. Know when to start marketing for inbound and outbound tourism.
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