“Let the Journey Begin” Myanmar launches advertising campaign

The government of Myanmar launched a global advertising campaign on Wednesday aimed at boosting its tourism industry during the high-profile World Economic Forum on East Asia, hosted in the capital Nay Pyi Taw.
The launch was unveiled by Hotel and Tourism Minister, Htay Aung and Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development, Set Aung with the commercial film titled “Let the Journey Begin”. 
The beautifully filmed commercial depicts Myanmar's cultural heritage and encourages viewers with the message that Myanmar’s journey is only just beginning. The commercial will be aired as of today on global news channels including the BBC and Channel News Asia.
Myanmar’s tourist arrivals rose 40 percent to almost 2 million last year. Minister Htay Aung hinted that borders with Thailand and India will be opened, while free visas for ASEAN countries are being discussed. The Minister stressed that free visas on arrival might be available for some selected ASEAN countries to begin with. 
The new Myanmar tourism campaign came as Air Asia announced on Wednesday that it will start direct flights from Bangkok to Nay Pyi Taw in September. The Minister said the 9,000 rooms available in hotels in Yangon were sufficient as most tourists only stay for just 2-3 days but conceded that the high room rates remain an issue.
He emphasized the need for quality of service to build up Myanmar tourism industry – adding that the tourism businesses are one of the key sources of income for the nation.
 “Myanmar is campaigning to raise the number of tourists as well as responsible business people to enter the country,” said Deputy Minister, Sett Aung.
Myanmar is also relaxing some rules and regulations that will allow tourists to enter the country by either land or air. The authorities are also planning to issue visas on arrival at the Myawady-Mae Sot border for visitor who wish to travel to Myanmar overland from Thailand. 
Myanmar also signed up to the “Smart Visa” system on Wednesday currently shared with Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“Because of the curiosity of the people, Myanmar will be their list to visit eventually. It has already started,” said Sorch Hellyer, brand ambassador for Image Diplomacy.