If a country has a poor human rights record should I still visit as a tourist?

Question

I like to travel the world and believe that tourism is an essential part of the economy of a country, however if a country/regime has a poor human rights record, am I wrong to visit and if I choose to do so, am I by default condoning the regime?

For example, many a British (and other) person will go on a package holiday to Turkey yet they hardly have an unblemished record when it comes to human rights - which is why the debate about their joining the EU has gone on for so long. One could argue that the US has a poor record too, Guantanamo Bay being a case in point.

Answer 1

No, as a commando instead.

Answer 2

Yes, I do believe that visiting a country that you know has a poor human rights record does condone the regime. If you are aware of the situation then you cannot really justify putting your self-indulgent desire to travel above the human rights of the people living there.
Take Burma for instance. The way in which foreign currency is exchanged means that the military regime will profit from your visit more than any of the people will. Much of the travel and tourist infrastructure has been built been built using forced labour.
Your presence there condones this.
I did visit Burma in 1995, having been convinced by some very effective PR that the regime was softening. What I witnessed first-hand (people displaced in Pagan to make way for tourist developments, roads being built by forced labour - including a 8 year old child in shackles) has made me a campaigner for freedom in Burma ever since and each year I donate a week of work to human rights organisations in support of this.

Answer 3

I think it's a question that doesn't have a clear cut answer, and every person should weigh up their options carefully in every situation.
I don't think you are necessarily condoning the regime by default, there are different kinds of tourism and tourists have different levels of social awareness.
Perhaps a simple package holiday could be seen that way, and there's definitely the potential to accuse people of hypocrist if they complain about the human rights situation, then visit the country and allow most of the money they spend there to go directly into the hands of those who support and enable the regime to continue.

Answer 4

probably not, because in so doing you're jeopardizing your own life. What if a crime happened to you, would they deal with it appropriately? Travelling the world can be very rewarding, there's the thrill of an adventure and the freedom of coming and going as you please, but i've read cases where people were killed and the motive never made clear. not everyone is friendly to tourists, never mind those tourists boosting the economy, some people, especially those under a bast*rd regime, are marginilized and take their anger out, or try to regain a pseudo sense of power by preying on those who are not as familiar with their country as they are. There are things to consider such as...Britain going to a country like south africa, buying property, raising the prices so high that the locals cant afford to buy, then wearing the country's diamonds on the soles of their shoes (figuratively speaking). britain used to colonize south africa and south africa had to pay britain (or promise to pay) huge debts to become a republic. now, to an impoverished individual out prowling the streets cause he aint got no food, all the above wont matter, but, as a tourist who doesnt know the corners, nooks and crannies of any given town as well as a disempowered local...its a recipe for danger.
also, countries who have bast*rd regimes, you dont really want to support them, if they see people are boycotting their countries, it MIGHT help them to do some self-evaluation...oh well, these are things to think about, but otherwise, have a great time!!

Answer 5

Depends if your influence in that country helps the situation or not, when travelling to a poor (Gambia) or oppressive country (Burma, Laos, Cuba), look at what the tour agent is saying, and try to find an ethical travel agent, or an ecological one, hopefully these would both go together.

Even in an oppressive country, foreigners can bring a fresh air of thinking, new contacts, advice, news or just satisfy the curiosity of the people. In a poor country, make sure you buy local good, stay in places where the labour practices are good and if visiting rural areas, contribute positively to the rural economy and environment.

Answer 6

I see two ways to think about this...

1. Yes it would be good to avoid those countries and not put money in their pockets.

but

2. Not that you should go over and start anything but if you are traveling as a tourist, that is one way for their people to see and hear different ideas. If we have no contact that has the chance of making the situation only worse rather than better.

I would say follow your heart but also be smart and don't do something that might also put you in danger.

Best of Luck and happy travels.

Answer 7

All the more reason to go. Just make sure the people get your money. Not, their goverment. In otherwords, shop small shops, stay small cheap hotels, in fact it is great going to places with poor human rights, because if you do, you end up roughing it, and eating meagerly, and all in the name of justice, (and saving a wad too) seriousely. It sould not stop you. Just keep your own mind, and learn. They may not have OUR HUMAN rights, but whats that. To get a perm, or go to an overpriced club. Believe me, these so called no human rights countries, have riches, beyond money and what we see. Do not forget, u.k. is a pretty fascist country. think about it. So, I am a conservative with a twist, so what. just travel.....

Answer 8

Your conscience should answer that question for you? If you did not have doubts you would not have asked the question.

You decide whether or not it is right to visit a country with a poor or non existent human rights record. Then you may live with your conscience if you feel you have made a poor judgement. Good Luck

Answer 9

well as we have seen the victims of these countries which have shown forms of ethnic oppression (ie turkey and the kurdish population) dont appreciate tourists lining the pockets of the oppressors.

Answer 10

i would check websites that deal with human rights however perhaps you shouldnt thow relly at the end of the day it is a personal dession

Answer 11

Aren't such places a little risky anyway. How they run their own country is their business, however, they shouldn't need anyone elses approval.