Forbidden Lands

Under socialist rule, the Burmese were held prisoner within their own land for nearly 30 years. The Burmese people suffered great deprivation and poverty in these dark years, and human rights abuses were commonplace. Even today, by Western standards, the Burmese people are still ruled by an authoritarian military regime that is guilty of human rights abuses.

Because of such issues, there are some that will say, that by going to Burma, we, as a tour company, are supporting its government. This is not so. We wholeheartedly want an end to human rights abuses in Burma and a restoration of democracy. We do not, however, believe that a boycott of tourism to Burma would be either correct or effective, because we believe the Burmese people themselves do not want either sanctions or embargoes. They want economic freedom, and this includes the development of a tourist industry.

Indeed, tourism not only creates jobs for the local people of the towns and villages we visit, it also brings in much needed foreign exchange. It also brings the watchful eye of visitors to this little-visited country. With the arrival of tourists, laden with their ever-ready cameras, the Burmese army has had to learn restraint. Some feel human rights abuses have thus decreased in recent times because of the presence of tourists. Visitors are therefore welcomed by the local populace wherever they go in Burma. To the Burmese people, visitors to their country mark an end to the enforced isolation from the rest of the world. It heralds the dawn of a better time.

We believe that organizing visits to Burma, such as the one displayed in this brochure, will ultimately benefit the country. Increased tourism will help to open the door and bring the Burmese people closer to economic freedom and eventual democracy. The Burmese people do not want that door shut on them ever again.

Eco-Expeditions is also proud to say that on behalf of each and every person in our Burma groups, that Eco makes donations at orphanages and schools and rural villages which we visit. These donations go directly to people in need.