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The founder of Lonely Planet has defended the travel guide empire's publication of its much criticised travel guide to Burma, insisting that tourists visiting the military-ruled country empower locals by bringing money into communities.

Qatar Airways, one of only 15 foreign airlines operating in and out of Myanmar, is suspending its four weekly flights to the military-ruled former Burma in January, a company official said on Saturday.

In the wake of last month's sudden fuel price increase, three airlines in Burma have raised domestic airfares, an airline official said.

Rangoon's luxury Strand has been named one of 2007's World Best Hotels by Travel & Leisure magazine. Built in 1901 as part of a chain of deluxe hotels in Asia including Raffles in Singapore, The Strand is recognised as a national landmark in Myanmar.

Regional travel experts Exotissimo are to host two exclusive photographic tours through colorful Myanmar. The trip will visit the country’s most photogenic and be lead by Bill Hobdell, a top expert on the region.

Air Bagan, Burma's largest private carrier, launched its first international route with a Rangoon-Bangkok flight on Tuesday, an airline official said.

Travel to Burma's border areas is no longer being advised against in a relaxation of travel advice to the country.

Burma reopened the Myawaddy-Tak border crossing at the Moei River on Wednesday, while the Three Pagodas border checkpoint in Thailand's Kanchanaburi province remains closed.