Tourism remains strong at Inle despite low water level

Yangon April 26

The tourism industry in Inle Lake stays strong despite severe weather and declination of the water level in the lake, said U Tint Swe, director-general of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

‘‘Though the water level has gone down in the lake, the situation of the tourism is not serious here. The lake has been a major tourist destination for a long time. Therefore, the tourism industry is not much affected,’’he said.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is now cooperating with concerned departments while the Shan State Government and international non-governmental organizations to prevent serious decline of water level in the lake. 

This year’s El Niño is not the sole contributor to water level decline in the lake, deforestation and man-made activities such as reckless dumping into the lake are also the contributing factors, said the director-general.

The ministry has, therefore, sought the advice of international agencies and is attempting to establish organic farming in the lake and clear the garbage, added the director-general.

At present, tourist arrivals through the border have also increased and Inle Lake is also expected to draw larger number of cross-border foreign travellers.

The Myawady Daily