From natural disasters to horribly coordinated events, tourists are often put in situations that puts them in panic mode. As these types of events occur, it is up to the traveler to use their best knowledge to navigate through multiple barriers and issues that can turn an exciting vacation upside-down. Knowing how to properly deal with the situations presented to you as the tourist is something that seems unfair but very necessary when least expected. As seen through the documentaries Tsunami: The Aftermath and Fyre, both situations provide the traveler with real life experiences that occur in the tourism industry.
When travelers are part of natural disasters such as one caused by a tsunamis, tornados or earthquakes, it is up the traveler to know what to do in the moment. But even prior to leaving, it is always best to plan ahead even if it’s for the worst. Having extra money, alternative plans, as well as extra copies of travel documents are just a few of the many ways to be best prepared. As natural disasters can range in severity on a major scale, it is necessary to be ready for anything. If stuck in the moment with none of these options, it is best to take shelter and then find support through officials and emergency services after the event is over. Going out during these types of disasters and becoming fearful and scared is the opposite of what is needed to best protect yourself. Staying as calm as possible with the ones you love nearby is the main objective when enduring a national disaster on vacation.
When news companies report this information on communication platforms, it is crucial to listen to updates and stay up to date on what’s going on. It is up to news platform to provide shelter spots, services, and protection tactics to keep all publics safe in the area. In addition, they must provide the community with updates as the natural disaster occurs, deeming it safe to return outside of shelter when appropriate. Typically after an event like this, tourism within the city it effected tends to die down and transition into reform mode. Many of those who work in the tourist industry are often displaced until these industries pick up. From pervious natural disasters, we have seen the amount of time necessary to rebuild and restore communities, often taking a long time to regain the normal flow of tourism. Lastly it is key to make sure the government officials are part of this event as well. As we have seen with current pandemic, it is crucial for officials to provide the public with best knowledge and current facts with what’s going on. Making sure resources are available to every public is necessary, as tourists in this community will need them too.
In looking at the effects this may have on travelers, it can instill many mindsets of being fearful or even sacred of traveling anywhere. After one is faced with this crisis on vacation, is hard to look back on the positive mindset on typically has when traveling. though high levels of distress, one faces their lives flashing before their eyes, often wondering if they will make it back home alive and safe. As many could be faced with travel fears for life, many could even be espied to similar PTSD conditions that military groups encounter often. Depending on the severity of this event, will depend on the personal impact overall, but knowing that these events do impact travelers and communities permanently is what needs to be understood. In wondering the responsibly of tourist companies, it depends on the type of disaster and what not. Overall though, I believe their role in supporting guests should be their ongoing focus while navigating through the crisis. Ensuring safety and providing tourists with additional resources and facts would be ideal from companies, despite the situation.
In relating these issues of a natural disaster to just a tourism fail overall is very compatible. Looking at the Fyre Festival that happened in 2017 correlates to many of the issues and factors discussed above. This event not only surprised me but left me in utter shock that an organized event would turn out wrong for so many people. I heard of this prior to watching this documentary on social media, but never truly knew all the underlying issues lying underneath the surface. I was disgusted to see the organization team in place and how they even allowed guests to arrive knowing that they were not ready. If I were to arrive at this event, I would do my best to stay calm and get off the island. As many were stranded, just keeping a level head while exploring the options to stay safe and stay alive would be my main focus. Overall, I would do my best in any situation during my travels to stay positive and further my understanding of what’s going on in any disaster that could occur.
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