Australia’s leading Asia travel specialist, Travel Indochina, is urgently advising agents that due to the unprecedented high tourism demand for Burma which far exceeds supply and availability, tourism product pricing structures for hotels and transport providers within Burma are being officially revised.
Rates beyond March 31st 2012 are subject to change industry-wide, and the resultant increases are expected to be between 35-50% higher than current prices.

According to Travel Indochina’s Managing Director, Paul Hole, the issue is receiving significant attention at the senior level within the country.

“We understand meetings are taking place to discuss the matter at the highest level between the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Executive Members of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association,” said Mr Hole.

“We have been advised that all suppliers including hotels, transportation companies, domestic airlines, restaurants and freelance guides, will be looking to increase their rates due to this unprecedented demand.”

“Australian travel agents must also be aware that hotels in particular will be seeking to impose strict deposit and cancellation conditions on all bookings to protect themselves against cancellations.”

Suppliers have not yet confirmed their revised rates, so Travel Indochina advises that initial FIT quotes provided for April 2012 – March 2013 bookings are guidelines only, and cannot be immediately confirmed. However confirmed rates will be obtained from Burma suppliers soon after, at which time a firm quote will be sent to the travel agent. Prices quoted will then be valid for a period of seven days, as per Travel Indochina’s usual policy.

Existing bookings that have been confirmed will be honoured, however additional deposits may be required to maintain the booking.

Travel Indochina has successfully managed to maintain its Small Group Journey rates, so Small Group Journey prices remain confirmed and will not change at the current time.

According to forecasts, a 300% increase in traveller numbers over last year is anticipated, with up to 1 million tourists expected to visit the country*, which was nominated by the New York Times as one of the 3 hottest tourist destinations of 2012. 

For more information, Travel Indochina’s Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 362 777 or on the 24/7 agents-only booking engine www.ticconnect.com.au.

*Sydney Morning Herald 21 January 2012, “Inside story: Burma’s long road back”