Can tourism help recovery after a disaster?

17.10.2023 - 08:21 / nationalgeographic.com / Red Cross

In the immediate aftermath of disaster, authorities and travel operators have to coordinate repatriations, evacuations and displaced communities quickly and safely, while reduced visitor numbers can have a crippling effect on local businesses. For many of these destinations, a reliance on tourism only adds to the complexity of their recovery efforts. But with the right mindset and action, travellers can, in fact, be a part of the solution.

“As anyone who's been through it knows, the first 24 hours after a crisis is a time of shock,” says Olivia Cryer, co-founder of think tank The Conscious Travel Foundation. And while a desire to help is only natural, most governments suggest visitors leave the destination as a precaution.

“Tourists are only valuable on the ground if they’re qualified emergency responders and have means to provide their services,” she adds. “But if you’re staying, and it’s considered safe, show humility and compassion, and give your time to a local operation if they're actively asking for volunteer support.”

Donating to both smaller NGOs and organisations such as the Red Cross, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and UNICEF is often the easiest and most effective way to help, whether in the destination or from home. Travellers yet to travel can speak with their trip provider to modify the itinerary, if possible, to avoid the worst-hit areas. This will still allow the wider destination to benefit from tourism at a time of need.

“Also ask your travel agent, operator or accommodation provider if they’re supporting any local projects,” says Cryer. “Ensuring mid- or long-term support will help prevent an economic crisis in the wake of a natural disaster.”

As each disaster creates its own set of circumstances, there’s no single answer for when it’s safe to return. Authorities in Hawaii, for instance, discouraged travel to Maui immediately after the wildfires this summer, for fears of insensitivity. In southeast Turkey, thousands of aftershocks in the wake of February’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake heightened the risk of travel within the region. But for the destination, Cryer believes it’s most beneficial for travellers to visit as soon as it’s safe and legal to do so.

“It’s important to keep the recovery curve for the destination as short as possible,” she says. “Travellers should speak to their travel agent or to the property directly to understand if it’s appropriate to continue with their travel plans or to postpone to a later date.”

Travellers can get involved once they arrive: companies like Responsible Travel offer trips with hands-on volunteering included, such as a 12-day trip to Nepal with time spent assisting communities affected by the 2015 earthquake. Those with more time can