Myanmar’s recent easing of visa requirements for Chinese travellers has triggered arrivals growth, spurring newly established DMC Memories Travel to pursue the country’s corporate and luxury segments, tapping on its proximity to China.
Cyrus Pun, CEO of Memories Group, gave a conservative estimate that China could contribute around 50 per cent of inbound corporate business in its second year of operations, naming South-east Asia, Europe and the US as other major markets.
To grow Chinese corporate meetings and incentive travel, Memories Travel – which was only set up this month – is targeting Chinese cities and commercial centres with direct flights to Myanmar, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Kunming, Nanning and Xi’an.
Pun said: “The experiences and itineraries we offer are not only high-end but are also fully customised.”
He related the example of an experience-led trip Memories Travel recently organised for a Chinese association chapter. During the six-day trip, the group enjoyed breakfast in hot air balloons high above Inle Lake, a gala dinner in a quarry, a visit to Yangon’s historic Pegu Club, and a series of lectures by some of Myanmar’s most notable public speakers.
“We know the Chinese ‘super traveller’ is looking for innovative and diverse experiences while exploring a wide range of destinations. We facilitate this while never compromising on quality and luxury,” noted Pun.
Aside from services and experiences, Memories Group also operates several hotels and resorts.
Awei Metta Yangon, the group’s recently opened 46-key urban golf resort is described by Pun as “perfectly positioned to cater to Chinese incentive travellers”, as the property offers modern facilities including conference and meeting rooms; as well as priority access to the 18-hole Gary Player-designed golf course in Pun Hlaing Estate.
He added the increase in business travel between Myanmar and China is also being targeted, and the group is rolling out several three-star business hotels under the Suggati brand in key commercial hubs around Myanmar.
“These new hotels are being designed specifically to cater to the needs of Chinese and Myanmar business travellers,” Pun explained.
Memories Travel’s sister company, Asia Holidays Travels & Tours, was established in 1998 and currently hosts around 50 groups of European travellers each month.
