HUMAN
rights groups are stepping up pressure on operators to withdraw from Burma
following Abercrombie and Kent’s decision to stop promoting the destination.
Burma
campaign UK, which is calling for all British companies to halt trade with
Burma, said the climbdown now leaves Orient Express, Carnival Cruises and Noble
Caledonia isolated.
“We
will be stepping up pressure on them to withdraw as well,” said the group’s
campaign officer Anna Roberts.
Abercrombie
and Kent confirmed it will axe Burma product from its 2004 brochure but, as
with Kuoni who pulled out in May, claimed it was due to poor demand, not
pressure from human rights groups.
The
operator added it would continue selling the destination should customers
request it, insisting it was “not for A&K to dictate matters of
conscience.”