Pros:

+ I figure out that the vast majority of locals, including democracy supporters, are welcoming tourists.

+ Tourism creates badly needed jobs in a country with an annual per capita income of 435 US- Dollar.

+ As an independent traveller make sure that the majority of your travel budget goes to the private sector and not to the government.

+ Tourism facilitates contact between Myanmar’s locals and the outside world: Locals see that they are not forgotten and visitors take away images and stories to share with friends at home, which helps people to stay informed about what is going on inside this traditionally closed nation.

Cons:

– It’s impossible to visit the country without some money going to the government.

– International tourists can be seen as a symbolic stamp of approval for the government, whose human right abuses and corruption are well documented and continuing: There are still over 2.000 political prisoners.

And now: Just decide by yourself!