The task of researching conditions in Myanmar is hindered by the unreliability of official statistics, especially relating to economic matters (The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), 2002a) and tourist arrivals (Bailey, 1998). International agencies have produced a series of reports which contain empirical data, although there is some variation with regard to controversial topics such as numbers affected by forced labour and relocation. Parts of the country are also still out of bounds for the visitor, notably near disputed border areas. The study is derived from analysis ofthe informationavailable, including that produced by the regime in Myanmar itself, and observations made during a visit to the country. While acknowledging the limitations of the material, it does allow a picture to be presented of the politics of tourism in Myanmar and makes it possible to draw some wider conclusions about the manner in which tourism can be politicised both inside and outside institutions of government. Overall, the findings illustrate the ways in which politics impacts on tourism and how tourism itself can become a critical political issue with global dimensions. Tourism is, therefore, best understood within a framework of politics and internationalrelations, although practitioners may choose to ignore or distort politicalrealities in accordance with their own commercial priorities.