Community based tourism in Saw Lawng Village: Understanding and participation of local Chin Community in Chin State, Myanmar

Abstract

This study analyzes the initiative of community-based tourism (CBT) in Saw Lawng village, Chin State, Myanmar, focusing on power dynamics, cultural commercialization, identity formation, and the community’s coping mechanisms during periods of political crisis in Myanmar. Using ethnography, the example of CBT as a development intervention in politically unstable environments is highlighted, and the various facets of tourism—particularly in vulnerable regions—are explored. The researcher investigates three main issues: (1) the stakeholders and their power and conflict relations under the CBT initiative; (2) the processes of commercialization and the emergence of new cultural identities; and (3) the effects of the 2021 military coup on the tourism industry and the community's adaptive strategies.

The examination reveals the power relations involved in developing the CBT project in Saw Lawng. Outside actors, such as Forever Top Travel and Tour Company, have taken over decision-making, often ignoring the voices of local people. Such factors reinforce existing power inequalities within the community. For example, in CBT management, the Maw Tui tribe, represented by the village headman, exercises unnecessary dominance in the community. Additionally, the findings show that benefit-sharing arrangements are not transparent and unfair, with only a few individuals involved in tourism activities earning the most benefits. The study also highlights the commercialization of culture and its role in shaping identity in this context. The selective representation of culture poses a challenge, as some community members want to preserve their culture while others commercialize it for tourism. Nonetheless, the research reveals that some forms of cultural commodification, particularly among young people, involve a return to traditional aspects of tourism. Unfortunately, the development of tourism in Saw Lawng was disrupted by the military coup in February 2021, prompting various responses from the community. The coup's immediate impact on tourism stemmed from fears about security and communication shutdowns. As a result, community members adopted alternative measures, such as returning to farming to generate income without relying on tourism. Despite these setbacks, the community displayed resilience in safeguarding cultural resources to revive the tourism sector after the crisis.

Finally, the findings have broader implications beyond Saw Lawng village and contribute to understanding how CBT is implemented in developing countries, particularly under political instability. Besides, the research findings present how implementing CBT in Saw Lawng demonstrates the necessity of a top-down approach, particularly in communities needing more financial capital and tourism expertise. While this initiative contradicts CBT principles, this approach can be seen as a pragmatic first step in communities where the community has faced significant financial constraints. The study revealed that the involvement of outsiders could provide the initial investment and expertise needed for pre-condition analysis to kickstart tourism development. Thus, this research proposes the need for a thorough pre-conditions study before establishing CBT in any community. This pre-conditions analysis should encompass village politics, power dynamics, social structure, gender relations, economic landscape, cultural assets, and community aspirations. Indeed, these comprehensive pre-condition studies provide a foundation for designing CBT initiatives that are more familiar with local realities.