| ronfream |
Posted
on 18-Jun-03 08:21 AM
Nepal Tourism Boycott - A Misguided Action
Any boycott under the conditions of Nepal is shortsighted and naïve at best. Improving the living conditions of the bottom of the feeding chain is the only way to achieve better health, better education, more awareness and better understanding of political opportunities. The Tibetans in Nepal and the 90 percent of the population that is marginalized only can benefit if the economy expands. Tourists seeking the mountains, the culture or the carpets are the only source of added employment since few advanced countries provide aid to Nepal.
Mounting a boycott now, monsoon or not, has repercussions right through next seasons peak mountain tourist period. SARS will end and the Maoist terrorists are even trying to communicate with the so-called government in power. Tranquility will benefit all if tourists come and spend money.
An apology may help save someones face. It wont independently produce any employment for those in poverty now.
The tourism boycott of Myanmar is equally shortsighted and non-effective to in-power government. Only those who are the common folk and disadvantaged already, due to governmental incompetence, governmental/military stupidity and greed, continue to suffer. Greatly expanded tourism in Burma would do wonders for peoples stomachs, their minds and their ability to help influence change.
I am proud to say I have done the tourist thing in Myanmar and have had a hand in directing employing as many as 200 persons at one time on a project there. I have personally seen social and health and economic improvement as a result. Having a vote is not the only way to improve ones life or mind.
Making gainful, long-term employment among peasant villagers or impoverished city dwellers is the first step to improvement, regardless of the amount of the daily wage or the form of repressive government.
Cheers!
Ron Fream
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