I realize you pose an ethical problem, but it is overwhelmed by the extra-ethical practicalities.
Burma’s infrastructure is ravaged. Disease will be a serious issue over the next year or two. The security situation is abysmal. All of this will not get better as long as the junta continues to be in power. In contrast, look at Burma’s neighborhood: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Tibet, Yunnan province in China. All of these places offer unique opportunities for turists and better services (as of right now). Why would any rational consumer go to Burma?
There is a reason, of course, and it can be illustrated by an ad I saw during the war in Bosnia; it said something like: “Ski Bosnia! best snow, best prices!” I’ll bet! They could have added that it would greatly enhance your bullet-dodging slalom skills. Truth be told, I would have gone given half a chance.
The bottom line is, I’m a hard nosed capitalist, so give me a competitive reason to go and I’ll go. Unfortunately, Burma’s junta is unlikely to understand this. For crying out loud, even Sichuan seems more attractive right now.
