THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICS ON TOURISM: THE CASE OF MYANMAR
The influence of politics (political factors-macroenvironment-Management Orientations) on tourism: the
case of MYANMAR
write just an appropriate and needed information.
QA: just those cases which I will send you
QB: both:my cases+additional research
QC: both:my cases+additional research
Contents
Critical points derived in this case 3
Presence of government incentives 4
Summarized answers to 4
THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICS ON TOURISM: THE CASE OF MYANMAR 2
KEY POINTS DERIVED IN THIS CASE
POLITICS AND INVESTMENT
Myanmar is a country full of wealth and potential. Tourism seems to be an untapped market, and
it remains unexplored due to unpredictable political climate. Foreign and local investors are
aware of the potential the country holds, but they are held back by the political atmosphere in the
country. However, the country is set to benefit from both local and foreign tourism.
THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICS ON TOURISM: THE CASE OF MYANMAR 3
Possibility of market expansion
The country has some known tourist destinations, and despite their potential, these destinations
are not fully utilized. Invest in Myanmar. (2017) Points out that lack of proper infrastructure
such as roads has been documented to be a limiting factor in reaching destinations such as the
southern coast. There are islands here that are prime for scuba diving, but lack of infrastructure
has proved to limit the expansion of these markets.
Predictability
The tourism industry in Burma is predictable. Tourists are only willing to visit specific sites that
are secure and easy to access. There is also a lack of variety as indicated in the research
Myanmar key tourists attractions seem to be its sandy beaches and its religious sites. Therefore,
this limits diversity. There is also need to focus on boosting local tourism, areas such as Chaung
Tha and Ngwe Saung needs to be marketed to the local middle class who is willing to explore
their country.
Presence of government incentives
The government has taken a bold move in ensuring that they attract investors by availing
attractive incentives. There has been an established hotel region that the government has
allocated for special hotel zones (Zaw, 2017).
Summarized answers to:
Political Factors
Over the years since the Junta military took over, there have been cases of misuse of power.
With the generals in authority suppressing the opposition leaders and the emergence of
significant rebellions by the minorities, the country has experienced political instability, and this
THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICS ON TOURISM: THE CASE OF MYANMAR 4
has scared away investors (BBC. 2017). However, the recent ceasefire in 2015 has brought some
stability in the region, and the market is recovering slowly. The 2016 elections led to the
formation of a democratically elected government, but cases of violence against the Rohingya
still have an adverse impact on investor confidence.
Four political situations in Myanmar today and how this may (or may not) be impacting tourism
arrivals.
Rohingya Conflict
The conflict has escalated since Mid-2017, and this is as a result of the alleged ethnic cleansing
of Rohingya Muslims. BBC. (2017) Has recently reported that the ethnic conflict currently
taking place in the country has come to the world attention, and the United Nations have recently
pointed out that the refugee crisis in Myanmar is critical and urges the government to end this
crisis. Such a situation has a significant impact on tourism, as people cannot visit a region that
conflicts since this will be putting their safety at risk.
Travel restrictions
The government of Myanmar has placed travel restrictions in its borders, and this has led to the
limited movement of people to and outside the country (Pompa, 2017). Therefore, an individual
willing to explore the country may opt not especially if they are not familiar with the restrictions
put in place.
Travel Advisory
Many embassies in the country have not given any travel advisory. Wendy, (2017) notes that the
silence means that it is safe to go to Burma but according to international media, the conflict
there is still escalating, and this might scare away potential tourists.
THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICS ON TOURISM: THE CASE OF MYANMAR 5
Investment opportunities
The government has continuously stressed the importance of non-discriminatory policies such as
different wage for local and foreign workers. The move is intended to provide equal
opportunities for those who are willing to invest in the tourism sector. Therefore these policies
are favorable for any company planning to invest in the country (Zaw, 2017).
One example from each of the other macro environmental forces and their influence on Tourism
in Myanmar
Cultural factors
Rising educational level is one of the social, cultural factors that have an impact on the country’s
tourism. Educated individuals are aware of the potential the country holds, and this will lead to
policies such as the special hotel zones (Wendy, 2017).
Demography
According to BBC, (2017, Myanmar dominant religion is Buddhism. Therefore, this has been
one of the major tourist’s attractions in the region. Thus, with continuous practice of Buddhism,
the country will continue receiving visitors from over the world who are curious about religion.
Technological factors
The demand of technological factors has significant impact tourism according to Wendy, (2017).
With the country market potential, the government can invest in advertising on global media
houses and also use technology to improve their infrastructures such as communication systems.
Economic
THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICS ON TOURISM: THE CASE OF MYANMAR 6
Economic factors such as income distribution need to be factored out whenever one is investing
in the country’s tourism sector. According to, Wendy, (2017), there has been an increasing
percentage of citizens who fall into the standard category, and this can be a target for local
tourism.
Natural
The country’s environment is attractive tourism investor; its sandy beaches and culture have
attracted a lot of foreign tourists, this is as pointed out on the website, Invest in Myanmar,
(2017). There is also the aspect of policies such as the ban on prostitution, and this is meant to
provide an environment that makes both the tourists and the locals can co-exist
Recommendations to management to invest in the country’s tourism sector
I would recommend the administration to be open-minded and keep an eye on the country.
However, with the current political situation the country’s market is unpredictable (Zaw, 2017). I
would advise them to acquire land or space in the beach but not to start investing on structures
immediately.
THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICS ON TOURISM: THE CASE OF MYANMAR 7
References
BBC. 2017
