Than Tun Oo
Rakhine State off-limits to small traveller groups
- Published on Thursday, 25 October 2012 18:42
Single travellers and small traveller groups–also known as Free Independent Travellers, or FITs–are not allowed to visit several places in the northern Rakhine State due to security reasons.
"They are only allowed to travel [around a] limited area," said the chairman of the Rakhine State’s sub-committee. According to authorities, they cannot ensure the security and safety of foreign travellers who visited places where violence occurs.
The authorities, however, are allowing larger groups travelling in “package tours” to visit certain places.
“The tourism industry will face many difficulties if tourists don’t come. We are weighing the situation in Rakhine State and have to think of restaurants, hotels, guides and travelling agents,” said Hla Thein, a spokesperson for the Rakhine government.
Popular tourist attractions in Thandwe and Ngapali had just reopened for the peak season, which will start at the end of the month.
Source: w11