Myanmar junta welcome Russian guests to visit Rakhine State

 Myanmar military junta is planning to allow guests from Russia to visit Rakhine State during the next tourist season.

According to the  military council, the government will organize an autumn festival in Ngapali beach next month. Moreover, a trip engaging over 30 Russian citizens is also planned for the State, said Myanmar audio and television news on 5 October.

Rakhine State hotel and tourism directorate was communicated for details, but the director replied that he was traveling and could not respond.

Over 100 hotels and guesthouses in Rakhine State were damaged by the cyclone Mocha in May. Out of those, 70 have been reopened, revealed Rakhine State hotel and tourism ministry.

An official from Mrauk U  hotel informed Narinjara News that only a few domestic and foreign visitors have visited this time.

“There are a very few visitors to our area. However, we look forward to many more visitors in the coming season. Number of foreign tourists are also very low. The hotel industry is struggling to survive,” he added.

Since the outbreak of gunfighting between the junta forces and Arakan Army members as well as the outbreak of Covid-19, the number of domestic and foreign visitors had decreased drastically.

Meanwhile, the concerned ministry has announced 14 priority areas for the tourists comprising Kyauk Phyu, Ngpali and Man Aung city. But the ancient capital of Arakan, Mrauk U was put out of the chosen list.