Community-based tourism in Myanmar
It means preserving socio-culture such as traditions and enhancing the socio-economic situations of a particular community.
The 100 days was set by the National League of Democracy, accompanied by an optimist view that aimed to work towards the priorities and convenience of the public, such as the development of transport infrastructure, telecommunication, and so on.
[3] The tourism Industry became flourished as one of the economic sectors for the sake of generating foreign revenues, protecting local traditions culture, environment, expansion of employment after the country was emancipated from the military regime in 2010.
Communities must be consulted and involved in the decision-making process on tourism planning and management, which directly affect their livelihoods.
Since Myanmar is a Buddhist country, apart from villages in upper Myanmar, most of the CBT villages have religious sites to visit such as monasteries, temples, and pagodas where tourists can learn local culture, buy souvenirs, and participate in local festivals.
Some of the activities are not common, and only a specific CBT village can offer that service such as AyeYarWaddy Dolphine Sanctuary.
CBT villages have poor access to adequate basic necessities such as proper sanitation, electricity, infrastructures, finance etc.
Due to the location being so remote, the connection of the mobile phone or cellular networks is very poor.
The main goal of implementing CBT is that the profits gained from tourism will significantly benefit the livelihood of the community as an additional income besides farming.
CBT targets bottom-up decision where the locals have direct decision-making policies.
[4] The main source of income becomes from agriculture and the emigrants sending money back to their families.
One of the statements made by the National League of Democracy is to welcome visitors who are keen to promote the welfare of the ordinary people and the conservation of the environment and to acquire an insight into the cultural, political, and social life of the country while enjoying a happy and a fulfilling holiday in Myanmar.
[4] Since CBT villages lack both capitals and human resources, it is one of the goals is to build local capacities such as training for workshops, communication skills, and knowledge.
The tourists want to feel the sunlight despite the scorching heat because the sun is rare to see in certain parts of the world.
As a result, youths from those villages started to emigrant to neighboring countries, mostly Thailand and Malaysia.
[8] From the tourist's perspective, despite the lack of infrastructure and sanitation, they still enjoy coming to CBT villages.
