While responsible tourists can have an overall positive impact by visiting a country, there are some inevitable negative side-effects caused by tourism, especially in Burma.  Responsible tourists should be aware of them and take precautions to minimize these effects or avoid them altogether if possible.  Try to mentally keep a running tab of your “social deficit” as you travel, and try to do things that will improve the lives of ordinary Burmese both during and after your visit to Burma.  Here are some of the more common negative impacts visitors to Burma should be aware of:

Support of government-run businesses and operations

This includes staying in government run hotels, using government public transport, employing government tour guide and visiting tourist sites where the entrance fee goes directly to the government.  Myanmar Travel & Tours (MTT) is the government tourism bureau and any services associated with them should be avoided.   

^{Shwedagon Pagoda, a Burmese symbol, is an example of a tourist site where the entrance fee supports the junta.} 

Environmental degradation

From heavy carbon emissions associated with air travel, overuse of precious resources like water, tourists in any country tend to leave behind a trail of environmental degradation.   

Economic leakages

Several studies have pointed out that the tourism industry generally exhibits a high degree of leakage, where money spent in a particular community or country flows outside and doesn’t benefit the local population.  Leakages are generally created by foreign ownership, the need to import goods (typical luxury food items, alcoholic beverages), international marketing costs, interest payment on foreign loans and the payment of franchise and management fees to foreign companies.  However, leakages don’t necessarily need to be foreign.  Rural communities often complain of leakage of tourism receipts back to metropolitan areas. Admittedly in the Burmese context, hotel economic leakages back to the developed world are low, with international class hotels struggling to keep their books in the black, and it is still better to support one of these enterprises than one owned and operated by the government. 

Disrespecting local customs and culture

Attitudes and clothing styles that are appropriate in one country may not be in another.  Public displays of affection, revealing clothing and aggressive or rude behavior are generally unacceptable in Burma and are likely to cause offence.  Visitors should do some research about acceptable behavior before leaving home and be observant while in Burma to learn what is and is not appropriate.

Support of cultural exploitation

Attending cultural shows and displays that are put on for solely tourists’ benefit as this can have the impact of devaluing the importance of the cultural activity. In some cases, especially for the ethnic communities, the people themselves may not choose to be tourist attractions and may not receive any of the benefits. This is particularly true for the Padaung ‘long neck’ villagers where many women and girls who would not otherwise wear the rings, are forced to do so in the name of potential tourist revenue. 

^{Padaung Villagers}

Sexual and child exploitation

The sex tourism industry is rampant all over Southeast Asia and Burma is no exception.  This industry is associated with all kinds of despicable human rights abuses, as well as the spread of HIV/AIDS.  Women and children are often forced to participate in the sex trade against their will.  Under no circumstances should visitors participate in the sex trade in Burma. 

Endangering the safety of locals

The people of Burma are notoriously friendly and hospitable and are commonly eager to chat with foreigners when they get the chance.  This can be one of the most rewarding aspects of any visit to Burma but visitors must be aware of the dangers this may pose to their new friends.  Speaking openly about politics or against the government in any way is strictly forbidden in Burma, and the junta has a surprisingly sophisticated spy network.  Just being seen speaking to foreigners in public may be cause for suspicion so visitors must be very careful not to engage in conversations about sensitive subjects.  Out of politeness, local people may be reluctant to change the subject if they are uncomfortable so visitors should be very careful not to bring up topics that may be even slightly controversial and always assume that the person sitting next to them on the bus or at the tea shop may be listening in.