To go or not to go, that is the question
I co-host the Twitter chat #travchat on Wednesday morning. This week the subject was Australia and question six asked… The wildfires have caused devastation across swathes of Australia; should people choose to delay their visit or even not visit at all? Or should they still go and just alter their route?
Q6. The wildfires have caused devastation across swathes of Australia;should people choose to delay their visit or even not visit at all? Or should they still go and just alter their route? #travchat pic.twitter.com/BYflkdmm8a
— wheresshelly ✈ (@wheresshellyii) January 22, 2020
Mainstream media and social media tend to dramatise and sensationalise what is happening in Australia with headlines like “Australia is burning”. We must remember that people are losing their homes, their livelihood and in some cases their lives. The wildlife also suffers as a result of these wildfires and conservationists are right in highlighting their plight. All this though gives the impression that Australia is unsafe to travel to.
What then do bloggers, people who live in Australia and those in the travel industry say about travel to Australia during these wildfires? I have shown a few comments in response to the question above.
A6: One word: GO. Australia needs the tourism dollars now more than ever and choosing to stay away will only impact the speed with which the communities and the ecosystem can get back on their feet. Keep donating and book that flight! #travchat
— Travel Lexx (@travelexx) January 22, 2020
Absolutely visit! Australia is huge! It's like saying Belarus is on fire so you can't go to Europe. Plus the affected communities rely enormously on tourism. #travchat
— Channa (@twoweeksleave) January 22, 2020
A6: They should come and spend money in these devastated communities. They need it.
— Chasing Ronin - Travel Blog (@ChasingRonin) January 22, 2020
Also, remember Oz is huge! Plenty of places not on fire.
I spoke to a tour operator who said visitors are down 50% and Tassie isn't even on fire. #travchat
The message seems pretty clear. Go, but be aware your plans might have to change IF your itinerary is in a fire affected area. Australia is a huge country; larger than Europe and only a very small part of it is burning.
A6: Definitely still visit Australia, the fire-affected areas are away from the cities and main tourist areas. Tourist dollars will help businesses recover. Australia is open for business and wants you here! #travchat
— wheresshelly ✈ (@wheresshellyii) January 22, 2020
A6. Australia needs tourism now more than ever. So much of the country is still unharmed by fires & ready to show tourists all they have to offer! If u have a trip planned, be wary of exactly where you're going & do your research! You may even get be able to volunteer #travchat
— Lucy Thurlow (@lucethurlo_) January 22, 2020
In recent years Spain, Portugal and southern France have had devastating wildfires but that did not stop anyone visiting Norway. Nor do the wildfires in California stop tourists visiting New England. Western Australia is a continent away from the fire-affected areas.
Go visit. Do your research but don’t be put off is the message coming through loud and clear.
What are your views on travelling to Australia? Is Australia really burning? Comment in the section below.
