Frequently Asked Questions

The letters of “Eco” represent the three threads of our approach:

• Empower locals to act as equal partners
• Contribute and share stories about traveling with a focus on its impact inside Burma
• Own your choices: a reminder to responsible travelers

Both names mean exactly the same and suffer the same insufficiency as both assign the name of the ruling ethnic group (namely the ‘Bamar’, or ‘Burmans’, or ‘Myanmar’) to the whole country, thus repeating a pattern of discrimination or complacency towards minorities. ‘Burma’ and ‘Myanmar’ are derived from Burmese words (more precisely, from the language of the ‘Bamar’, or ‘Burmans’), which differ only on a stylistic level.

The name ‘Myanmar’ was adopted by the regime in 1989 without any democratic legitimization. While we don’t actually mind using ‘Myanmar’, we would definitely prefer if this change would retrospectively be confirmed by a genuinely democratic decision.

For a detailed discussion, see the page on Wikipedia

While there have been considerable changes in the political landscape, the present constellation is still based on the junta-made constitution and on the generals’ idea of a “disciplined democracy”. Censorship and discrimination persist and people in most parts of the country, in particular where civilians are targeted by armed groups, have not noticed any tangible improvement in their daily lives. Even many opposition groups still exercise democracy mostly in a top-down approach.

Stories (true stories or rumors) carry enormous power. They can change the way we see things.

A large part of the problems in Burma is related to knowledge and attitudes: How ethnic groups view each other. Patterns of behavior that survived from colonial times. Awareness of the impact of foreigners going to Burma for business or holidays. Whether we see Burma as a token in a strategic map exercise, or as a home to millions of people in their own right.

Not necessarily. Travelers can also notice many issues, and locals are free to write about positive sides.

Stories are based on personal experiences and observations. They certainly cannot provide academic accuracy. Stories come closest to travel journalism and opinion pieces.

Our storytellers are travelers, journalists, NGO workers, and others. Where necessary and where funds are available, we try to provide a brief training to Burmese about responsible traveling.

No. Exiles, for instance, might return to their homecountry as travelers. Or frequent travelers to Burma might see the country with the eyes of a local.

While numerous efforts have been made to formulate rules of good behavior for tourist business, it is very difficult to obtain reliable information about every firm or even enforce rules. Key are free media and working conditions for independent and qualified local NGOs at the destination.

If you have any experiences about bad practice to share, please continue to our database.

We are not a tour operator but we are working on a concept to extend our program in cooperation with professional providers of responsible traveling.

There is lots of ways how you can help. Please check our main web site.

Please check here.