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 or not foreign tourists should visit Burma, or stay away until the situation improves.

Voices for Burma is an independent, not-for-profit NGO dedicated to helping travellers who are considering a visit to Burma do so responsibly.  The stakes are high, and a bit of information can go a long way...

Quote of the week:

"The junta held a referendum in May on a new constitution that mandates elections in 2010 and a central role for the military in future governments. (The referendum passed; open criticism of the plan was punishable by twenty years in prison.) The opposition is deeply divided on whether or not to go along with this "road map." In general, I found dissidents inside the country more willing than the political opposition in exile to accept the inevitable compromises through which they might escape a life under the generals’ cruel delusions. They don’t want foreigners to boycott Burma; they long for contact with the world."

George Packer - The New Yorker