Not many people in Myanmar could afford to travel for leisure, but for those who could Singapore is their ultimate destination of choice ahead of other popular cities such as New York, Bangkok, Seoul and Paris, reveals a Mastercard Worldwide survey.

Less than one in five Myanmar citizens travelled abroad for leisure in the past 12 months, with time and financial constraints cited as the main barrier for most. However, for those who did travel abroad nearly four out of five intend to do so again within the next 12 months.

The survey findings show Burmese travellers chose Singapore above other international cities for its shopping, sightseeing, and varied cuisines.

Domestically, 73% of those surveyed have travelled within Myanmar in the past 12 months, and more than four out of five intend to do so again within the next 12 months. The top local cities of choice are Taunggyi, Mandalay and Pathein.

Travellers spend just over MMK 200,000 (US$230) per person on average for domestic leisure trips, while the average amount spent on international trips is about six times higher. They also spent about US$90 per month on dining out

Myanmar consumers are extremely optimistic with 94.9 Index points, according to the latest MasterCard’s Index of Consumer Confidence.

“Our latest survey data shows continued confidence across the developing markets in South East Asia. The result from Myanmar is one of the highest in the 20-year history of MasterCard’s confidence survey in Asia-Pacific. This shows how the recent opening of the economy has created significant optimism which bodes well for the country’s future,” said Matthew Driver, president, South East Asia, MasterCard Worldwide.