Myanmar has the highest relative growth in Southeast Asia, according to the latest tourism statistics from United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Statistics from the UNWTO shows that Southeast Asia showed the highest growth among Asian subregions, with nine per cent more arrivals in 2012.
"In absolute terms, growth was led by Thailand with a 16% increase in tourists over 2011. Cambodia (+24%) and Vietnam (+14%) also posted strong double-digit growth last year. Myanmar saw the highest relative growth with a surge of 52%," the UNWTO said.

Although Myanmar has attracted over 1 million tourists for the first time last year, it is still one of the least visited countries in Southeast Asia region.
Asia and the Pacific region was the fastest growing region in 2012 with a seven per cent increase. The region received a total of 234 million, earning US$324 billion in international tourism receipts, representing 30 per cent of the world total, according to UNWTO.

Myanmar became a member country of UNWTO in 1996 and withdrew from the membership of UNWTO in 1998. The country rejoined UNWTO last year after the organisation's secretary-general Dr. Taleb Rifai paid a two-day visit to Myanmar and held discussions with President Thein Sein.

Myanmar's room shortages has prompted foreign investors to take interest in the country's hotel and tourism sector.