Travellers to Burma must employ caution when selecting new properties from the destination’s rapidly expanding range of options, Asia specialist Travel Indochina has warned.
A number of new properties are appearing as the destination aims to meet its much-publicised target of 35,000 rooms for 2014.
“On the one hand, the pace of new development in Burma could be seen as quite exciting as it will permit more travellers to experience this beautiful and delightful destination,” TI product manager China and Burma Jackie Firmstone said.
“However it must be countered by a level of pragmatism to make sure that the properties meet requisite health and safety standards and service levels, and that the development supports the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.”
She highlighted around 45 new hotels, lodges, resorts and guesthouses in Travel Indochina destinations as meeting the “basic minimum levels” that the company would consider using.
Some of these new additions are “beautiful”, she revealed, giving examples as Viewpoint Lodge in Inle Lake and the Hsipaw Resort in Northern Shan State.
“Upon closer inspection, however, we have found that many of the other new properties don’t meet the grade to be included within our portfolio,” Firmstone said.
She underlined the company’s commitment to promoting sustainability in Burma along with the preservation of its cultural heritage.
