Wave of developments sweeps across Mergui

DEVELOPMENTS in Myanmar’s Mergui archipelago could see the area flourish as a major tourist destination, especially for marine tourism.

Myeik Public Corporation is planning to invest US$4 million in the development of a resort hotel on Kadan Island, which is located in the archipelago.

The company had earlier announced that it would invest US$10 million for projects on four other islands, but has shifted its focus to Kadan, which is 24km west of the region’s commercial hub, Myeik, although the project is still awaiting confirmation from local authorities (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 6, 2014).

The islands are attracting interest from tourists and investors because there is “practically no sign of human habitation or development”, according to Marek Lenarcik, sales and marketing director of Tour Mandalay.

The islands offer particular potential in the field of marine tourism, says John Farrell, manager at Myanmar Yacht Services. “If done correctly, there is huge potential for turning the islands into a popular yachting destination.”

Just 50 private yachts and dive boats visit the region each year currently, with the majority of visitors coming from Russia, the UK and the US, with a few coming from the Asia-Pacific, said Farrell.

He added that there has been a substantial increase in visitors in recent months, with nearly all visitors travelling from Phuket.

Burma Boating also announced recently that it will double its fleet of classic yachts servicing Mergui to four for the coming season.

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