Paper short abstract:

This paper examines how the forces of globalisation and neoliberalism are determining the direction and mode of tourism development in Myanmar. We demonstrate how a globalised tourism industry is reshaping the national model to one which capitalises on weak governance and disempowered local people.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the influence of tourism as an agent of neoliberal capitalism within the context of Myanmar. It is a conceptual exploration that draws on secondary data from academic sources and planning documents, and this is augmented by primary data generated from three separate visits by the authors between 2014 and early 2017.

After almost six decades of international isolation the country is experiencing rapid economic growth and major change. Moves towards increasing democratisation, since 2011, means Myanmar's tourism industry has been propelled from "tourism pariah" to rising "tourism star", and is experiencing an extraordinary growth in tourism arrivals with associated revenues and investment.

The rapidity of Myanmar's recent transition and development presents a unique opportunity to examine how contemporary forces of globalisation and neoliberalism determine the direction and mode of its tourism industry from its beginnings. This paper shows how tourism is presented by the national government as an engine for economic development and livelihood diversification in poverty-stricken rural areas whilst also assisting in supporting protected areas which are being established to fulfil international conservation objectives. It then demonstrates how this is re-shaped by a globalised tourism industry into a socially and economically exclusive model which capitalises upon weak governance and disempowered local stakeholders. We conclude with observations which may point towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.