Burma is a country that has long captivated the imagination of travellers around the world.  But how does the presence of tourists impact the welfare of the people of Burma? 

Their suffering at the hands of the country's military dictatorship is well documented.  There is a very compelling and complex debate as to whether tourists should support tourism to Burma, or whether they should support the travel boycott until the situation improves.

Voices for Burma is an independent, not-for-profit NGO dedicated to promoting travel to Burma to be done so responsibly.  The stakes are high, and a bit of information can go a long way...

Quote of the Month:

"A number of Burmese, though, including some members of the National League for Democracy party of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, say international tourism is a lifeline in a country with poor living standards. Independent travel -- staying at boutique hotels, shopping in family-owned workshops, eating at small restaurants -- is the best way to put money directly into the hands of locals, says Nyo Ohn Myint, a leading opposition figure."

Tom Wright, reporting in "Asia's Lost Treasure Trove", Wall Street Journal, 23 January 2009.  Note that Nyo Ohn Myint is the Foreign Affairs spokesperson for National Council on the Union of Burma (NCUB).