GO OR NOT GO? (MYANMAR). by Lonely Planet.

Reasons Not to Go:
Aung San Suu Kyi has asked tourists not to; the government
used forced labour to ready tourist-related sights and
services; international tourism can be seen as a stamp of
approval to the Myanmar government; the government forbids
travel to many areas, particularly in areas inhabited by
minority groups; it's impossible to visit without some money
going to the military junta (roughly US$20.00 per visa,
US$10.00 per departure fee and seven to 10% tax on
purchases); and activists claim that tourism dollars fuel
government repression directly.

Reasons to Go:
Tourism remains one of the few industries to which ordinary
locals have access -in terms of income and communication;
authors of subsequent Burma guides say that the vast
majority of locals they speak to tell them they want
travellers there; human-rights abuses are less likely to
occur in areas where the international community is present;
the government stopped forcing foreigners to change
US$200.00 into government notes upon arrival; the majority
of a careful independent traveller's expenses can go into
the private sector; and keeping the people isolated from
international witnesses to internal oppression may only
cement the government's ability to rule.

If You Decide to Go:
In order to maximise the positive effects of a visit among
the general populace, while minimising support of the
government, follow these simple tactics: stay at private,
locally owned hotels and guesthouses; avoid package tours
connected with Myanmar Travel and Tours; avoid MTT-sponsored
modes of transport, such as most Yangon-Mandalay Express
trains, the MTT ferry between Mandalay and Bagan, and
Myanmar Airways International (MAI) flights; buy handicrafts
directly from the artisans, rather than from government
shops; avoid patronising companies involved with the
military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings (companies with
solid links to the Tatmadaw or armed forces are often called
Myawadi or Myawaddy); write to the Myanmar government and to
the Myanmar embassy in your country expressing your views
about the human-rights situation there.