To go or not to go? That is the question which confronts travelers wondering whether or not to include Burma in their travel plans. And it is a question whose answer is far from clear.

The Boycott

The international tourism boycott of Burma was called for by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD as the Burmese government began to promote itself as an international tourist generation leading up to “Visit Myanmar Year 1996”.  Pro-boycott groups often quote Suu Kyi, who at the time urged tourists to stay away until the country had achieved democracy.

There has been a split however among NLD members, campaign groups and Burmese people inside the country and out, as to whether calling for an uncompromising total boycott on all foreign visitors does more harm than good.  On the one hand, every visitor to Burma, no matter how careful, will inevitably generate some revenue for the government.  Forced labour has been used in construction of roads, hotels and other infrastructure projects built for tourism purposes.  Pro-boycott groups feel that any visit to Burma is in effect condoning the regime and giving it legitimacy.

On the other hand, the amount of revenue the junta receives from responsible tourists each year is negligible.  Keeping these tourists away and denying them this revenue would not have any significant impact whatsoever on their ruthless policies or abominable practices.  However, keeping tourists away has a devastating impact on local people whose livelihoods depend upon on responsible tourists either directly or indirectly.

Potential visitors should think carefully about the impact they will have before planning a trip to Burma.  If you are willing to forgo activities that will have a negative impact, and focus on those that will have a positive one, then you should visit Burma.  If you require amenities from a holiday that might undermine the welfare of the people you are visiting, then you should not.