In 1972 Bagan Hotel was established as a "Society Guest House" by approximately 120 people from the Nyaung Oo Region as a small commercial enterprise.

Each member of the society contributed into the fund 9000 Kyats per share, and the grounds of the guest house was purchased.

In 1996 a Myanmar couple from Mandalay, husband being an architect, went into joint venture with the Society of Nyaung Oo, and with their own private money created the Bagan Hotel the way it is now.

The shares were then divided by both parties (actually 5 as the couple had also equal shares arranged for their small children), the society being the landlord and the private family was the builder and operator of the hotel. The daily management is now in the hands of Mr Thein Tun, who is the new General Manager as of 1st December 2007.

"Tourism in Myanmar is the cleanest industry which directly supports Myanmar people"

Since 1996 Bagan Hotel has been under German management. The hotel staff enjoy free healthcare and a good share of 10% service revenue, which, in addition to the usual food allowance and tips from guests, raises the average income in the Tourist Season to $90-$150 US. This is many times over the typical income of those earning $20-$30 US per month in the in rural areas of Myanmar, who are primarily employed in the agricultural sector. The positive impact of tourism on the Micro Economy of tourist regions like Bagan and Popa directly translates to improved welfare of the people as a whole. Whether farmers, shopkeepers or transportation service providers, everyone in the locality receives a share of these higher earnings as a direct consequence. Indirectly, this means higher literacy, wider access to education and better public health through increased awareness of basic hygiene and nutritional facts.

Over the past 12 years, the tourist industry in Myanmar has provided thousands of young Myanmar with opportunities to become industry professionals, and enabled them to seek highly paid jobs overseas to gain even more experience. We have been witnessing the return of many of these professionals over the past 3 to 5 years, who take well paid leading positions in the Myanmar tourist industry.

"Myanmar people like to see more tourists
in Myanmar now."

More tourists visiting Myanmar means more chances of bettering their lives and increased social standing through more education, more vocational training and more contact with other cultures.

See how Bagan Hotel (through the former GM, Oliver E Soe Thet's initiatives) is supporting the community and the environment in Bagan and Popa region through various activities.