Should You Travel To Bushfire Affected Communities?

Article by Time To Roam · 12 January 2020 · 0

Unfortunately, the world is not short of natural disasters, and often they’re in significant tourist areas. Immedielty after the fact, this often puts a lot of pressure on local economies and small business that rely on tourist dollars. But how soon is too soon to visit a disaster area?

Researchers from both the University of South Australia and UTS Business School say it’s often wise to wait, just a little bit.

Talking speffically about the bushfires that have burned more than two-thirds of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, UniSA’s Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles says the situation is far more complex than just boosting tourist numbers. “The bushfire crisis on Kangaroo Island is heart-breaking,” Professor Higgins-Desbiolles says, “and for a holiday destination that relies on tourism, the summer-holiday fires could not have come at a worse time. Kangaroo Island is a tourism-dependent economy, and while tourism operators and authorities are calling for people to keep visiting Kangaroo Island, the fires are not yet out, CFS volunteers and defence personal are still being deployed, and infrastructure like the water treatment facilities are damaged.

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We are only just starting to see the extent of the damage caused by the tragic #KangarooIslandBushfires. It's a big island, and the recovery phase is well underway, and it’s estimated that 30% of the island has been affected. We are realising how much we need your help. If you are looking to donate or volunteer your time, we have put together a comprehensive list detailing how best to do this right now – link in bio. We will continue to share information about the large areas of the island which remain unaffected and still incredibly pure. We will give you recommendations about what is open and what to see and do safely once the CFS has announced it is fully safe to do so. The way you, and the way we can help rebuild #KangarooIsland (for the long term), is through tourism. Tourism is Kangaroo Islands’ main industry and so the local operators are asking for your help to rebuild their livelihoods and businesses by continuing or planning a holiday to Kangaroo Island. #SeeSouthAustralia Thank you to everyone who has donated, sent messages of support, gathered in communities to say a prayer on the other side of the world, volunteered their time and shared our posts – we are so very grateful and humbled by your sincerity. Video by Steven Marshall via FB yesterday 5 January, 2020. #SeeSouthAustralia

A post shared by South Australia (@southaustralia) on Jan 5, 2020 at 10:58pm PST

Additionally, critical services like the Kangaroo Island ferry are needed to transport emergency service personnel and equipment. I just think it’s too soon at this moment.

Dr Higgins-Desbiolles says while it’s strategically important to plan the recovery of Kangaroo Island’s tourism businesses and primary producers, immediate tourist visits may not be the answer. While it is still be possible to visit Kangaroo Island at this time, it may not be the most viable or ethical decision under the current circumstances.”.

“For those of us who love Kangaroo Island and want to see its economy recover and thrive, the advice for the short term is provide donations if you can, buy Kangaroo Island produce and products, and when the time is right, book your holidays there and plan to consciously direct your spending to support the local economy.

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strange feelings driving here today … #kangarooisland #bushfiresaustralia

A post shared by Vivonne On Sunset (@vivonnebay) on Jan 12, 2020 at 1:56am PST

Citing the research done in the wake of Nepal’s 2015 earthquake that measured 8.1 on the Richter scale and was responsible for over 9000 deaths, Dr David Beirman, from the University of Technology Sydney says, “When disaster hits a tourist destination – whether fire, flood, cyclone or earthquake – tourists naturally stay away, leaving communities to deal with loss of income on top of costs of repair and recovery. On the other hand, people who feel a natural curiosity, as well as a natural desire to help, are keen for experiences where they can interact with locals and make a difference.”

Dr Beirman was involved in a study that examined the impact of volunteer tourism programs in Nepal in the wake of the April 2015 earthquake, to provide insight into their potential to help communities recover from natural disasters, and rebuild tourism industries. They found that when it was done in an ethical manner that considered local conditions and the community, it could aid recovery and resilience.

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Kangaroo Island, before and after. . . . . . #globalwarming #climatechange #australia #victoria #kangarooisland

A post shared by Climate Watch (@climatewatch_) on Jan 11, 2020 at 11:59pm PST

Another author of the study, Dr Simone Faulkner said, “The success of volunteer tourism also depends on the willingness of volunteer tourists to engage in a travel experience that involves engaging in work that more mainstream tourists may view as a hardship. In times of national crisis, the priority of a government has to be restoring the welfare of its people. However, the process by which that happens is multifaceted. In destinations that rely on tourism as a primary source of foreign investment, it can make sense to build tourism into the recovery process.”So, if you are considering travelling to fire affected areas, consider how you can engage with local community and volunteer groups to give more than just your tourist dollar, but don’t rush down there just for a look.