EXAMINING EXTERNAL PRESSURES ON INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DESTINATION IN MYANMAR: A THEMATIC ANALYSIS

Thet Lwin Toh; Amiya Bhaumik; Midhun Chakkaravarthy; Arkar Htet

doi:10.22437/jiituj.v9i4.46490

Authors

Thet Lwin Toh Lincoln University College https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9586-4142
Amiya Bhaumik Lincoln University College https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9188-2269
Midhun Chakkaravarthy Lincoln University College https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0107-885X
Arkar Htet Lincoln University College https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1301-3604

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v9i4.46490

Keywords:

Institutional Capacity, Myanmar, PEST Analysis, Resilience, Sustainable Tourism, Tourism

Abstract

Sustainable tourism in Myanmar faces mounting challenges from political instability, economic volatility, social pressures, and technological limitations. While these PEST factors shape tourism outcomes, limited research has explored how institutional capacity mediates their impact in fragile national contexts. This study examines the interplay between external pressures and institutional responses to understand pathways toward sustainable tourism development in Myanmar. A qualitative research design was employed, drawing on semi-structured interviews with 20 stakeholders across Myanmar’s tourism sector, including policymakers, operators, and community leaders. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis to identify patterns related to PEST factors, institutional capacity, and sustainability outcomes. Findings reveal that political and economic instability are the most critical barriers to tourism development, compounded by labor migration, cultural neglect, and weak technological infrastructure. Despite these challenges, institutional capacity expressed through community engagement, workforce training, and adaptive strategies emerged as a key mediator in mitigating external pressures. Discussion/Implications: The study contributes theoretical insights by demonstrating the mediating role of institutional capacity in volatile environments and provides practical recommendations for strengthening governance frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing technological investment. These implications are relevant for policymakers and practitioners seeking to build resilience and advance sustainable tourism not only in Myanmar but also in similarly fragile contexts.

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Author Biographies

Thet Lwin Toh, Lincoln University College

Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Lincoln University College, Selangor, Malaysia.

Amiya Bhaumik, Lincoln University College

Faculty of Business and Accountancy, Lincoln University College, Selangor, Malaysia.

Midhun Chakkaravarthy, Lincoln University College

Faculty of Computer Science and Multimedia, Lincoln University College, Selangor, Malaysia.

Arkar Htet, Lincoln University College

Faculty of Business and Accountancy, Lincoln University College, Selangor, Malaysia.

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