Hi,
I've emailed various tour companies who operate in Burma recently. I've said to each that I don't agree with a policy of isolation and I think tourism can have a very positive effect but that I'd like to hear how they deal with government organisations there.
While I've received some very compelling arguments in reply I received only this from Voyages to Asia (http://www.voyagestoasia.com/</a>):<BR><BR>"mind your own business"
Which I think demonstrates a remarkable lack of regard for both potential customers and implies callousness toward the victims of the regime there. I think this is noteworthy for any considering travel in the area.
Thanks
eoin23
1
meats
Did you say that you were a potential customer or not? If not then i'd have told you the same thing.
2
utom
What is the point of this? You shouldn't use these companies, anyway. Talk about making an unnecessary contribution to the gov't...
Go yourselves and use private guides.
3
ono
I agree with utom. It is easy to to arrange things once you are there.
You also need to understand that you cannot use your own experiences and logic in dealing with Burma. What you have done can possibly put these people in danger. It is against the law for them to discuss these things.
4
eoin23
Meats; I assume the purpose behind the boycott of South African goods some years ago was lost upon you?
Utom and Ono; many of the tour companies have a policy of only using private guides and never contributing money to government run institutions. This company does not. Ono I think you may have misunderstood; this company is British owned and run.
5
utom
I am not going to tell people how to spend their money, but it is worth noting that an agency will pay your guides a SMALL fraction of what you pay them for the guide, and keep the rest for themselves. Why not hire a private guide directly, usually a youngish person (age 25-40) who gets to show off his/her knowledge. Just as important, you'll have a much more unique and personal experience.
Why would you want to put your cash into the hands of some bloke in London when you can give it to someone who needs it? Anyone who is looking for a guide can find one just by searching through old threads...
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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