VISITOR arrivals have mounted recently in Popa and Bagan, according to residents.

An influx of people has now flocked to Popa to enjoy the famous ritual ceremony, “Aba Htwet Pwe”, marking the day Boe Min Gaung died, and they’ve also visited Bagan.

“The arrival of visitors to Bagan is usually low in the monsoon, but there is a slight increase on public holidays and weekends. Recently, there have been many visitors in Bagan because those who come to celebrate the Aba Htwet Pwe also come to have a pilgrimage here. The trans­portation is fine and Bagan is now thronged with visitors,” said a resident.

The majority of visitors are local, and the arrival of foreign tourists normally increases in the dry season from October to pre-Thingyan.

Visitor arrivals at Ba­gan-NyaungU were also large in last year’s tour season, and it is expected to rise this October, the start of the tour season.

At present, there are lo­cal visitors who have made inquiries about travelling in the coming tour season, the Thadingyut holiday. — MT/ZS