1. Christoph Amthor, Burma Center Prague Workshop: Best Practices in Promoting Responsible Travel The Situation in Burma and the Impact of Tourism

2. visible / invisible

3. “Absurd” Burma, seen with journalists’ eyes http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcmt6j_burma-the- dictatorship-of-the-absur_news

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

8. Christoph Amthor, Burma Center Prague Workshop: Best Practices in Promoting Responsible Travel www.burma-center.org amthor@burma-center.org