Christoph Amthor, Burma Center Prague Workshop: Best Practices in Promoting Responsible Travel The Situation in Burma and the Impact of Tourism
visible / invisible
“Absurd” Burma, seen with journalists’ eyes dictatorship-of-the-absur_news
The impact of tourism in Burma human rights violations social problems, destroying small business consumption of resources, environmental problems profit-oriented renovation of antique and religious places confirmation of stereotypes, superficial impressions funding the military and it ’ s cronies, supporting the regime, prolonging the problem financial support of small business and securing livelihood of people information exchange (in both directions), raising awareness moral support of population triggering a lasting interest in Burma and support of civil society, NGOs, refugees etc. possible negative impactpossible positive impact
Objectives direct profit to small business, avoid big hotels, airlines etc., avoid business of military and cronies help to support or enforce civil and labor rights, social justice, non-discrimination and environmental protection make tourists aware about (also invisible) problems and about ways to help reach also remote areas – possibly even Burmese in exile encourage tourists to show respect to locals, not to treat them as part of a commercial product empower Burmese, make them more self-confident in contact with foreigners
Needs fact finding, establishing criteria, monitoring education on Burmese side information and awareness raising on tourists' and tour operators' sides (travel guides, campaigns) establishing or supporting structures for responsible traveling to Burma
Challenges How to make Burmese understand and support the concept? (sociocultural differences) How to secure the safety of Burmese involved? How can information be obtained and verified? How to counter profit-making interests on tour operators ’ side?
Christoph Amthor, Burma Center Prague Workshop: Best Practices in Promoting Responsible Travel