The military council’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has issued an announcement attempting to capitalize on the destruction caused by the March 28 earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude as a tourism opportunity. The devastating earthquake killed nearly 4,000 people and caused extensive damage in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw regions. The military council claims that domestic and international tourists visiting these affected areas will boost the hotel and tourism industry.
According to the military council’s announcement, they believe that tourists visiting earthquake-affected areas will create job opportunities and increase income for local residents. However, this announcement has drawn criticism from both the international community and domestic tourism operators. A Yangon-based tour operator pointed out that there are no precedents worldwide for using natural disaster destruction as a tourist attraction. The operator noted that similar major earthquakes in Nepal, China’s Sichuan province, and Taiwan have never been promoted as tourist destinations, with only rescue workers and aid volunteers typically visiting such disaster zones.
The March 28 earthquake stands as one of the most devastating natural disasters in Myanmar’s history. The earthquake caused widespread destruction of homes, buildings, and ancient pagodas in Sagaing, Naypyidaw, and Mandalay, leaving many civilians homeless. Critics argue that attempting to exploit such a severe natural disaster for tourism purposes demonstrates a lack of humanitarian consideration, particularly given the extensive loss of life and displacement of local communities. The military council’s approach to using this tragedy as a means to promote tourism has been widely condemned as insensitive to the suffering of those affected by the disaster.
