Obama’s visit to Myanmar further boosts tourism to the world’s newest travel hot spot

With U.S. President Barack Obama’s trip to Myanmar on Monday, the spotlight is shining brighter than ever on the once reclusive nation that over the last two years has embarked on a series of reforms following decades of repressive military rule.

These include the lifting of sanctions, the release of political prisoners and the floatation of the Myanmar currency, which is currently trading at about 850 kyats (pronounced “chat”) to the U.S. dollar.

Obama’s visit will add further impetus to the interest in Myanmar. Investors will be encouraged to move into the market, companies in Myanmar will find it easier to do business and any moral or safety reservations that international visitors might have harbored about visiting Myanmar have disappeared.