Officials also made sure that when visitors were allowed back on the island, they were respectful of those still struggling to restart their lives, by making devastated neighbourhoods off limits to tourists. Instead, visitors were encouraged to support the community in other ways, and though visitor numbers are still in recovery, many people rose to the challenge.
The clear communication and locals-first approach put forth by the island’s leadership was reflected back by visitors. “In Maui’s hour of need, the outpouring of aloha from around the world… whether it was monetary donations or offers of expertise or just prayers and good wishes. It was really heartwarming to see,” said Gionson.
So how soon is too soon?
While Gionson acknowledges that there’s no easy answer of when places should start welcoming visitors after a disaster, he feels there are some clear guidelines that both travellers and destinations should follow. Top of mind is honest and transparent communication about the impact of the disaster from officials and respectful behaviour to affected residents from visitors. But perhaps more important than that, is that everyone does their part to make sure that the reopening of tourism supports the community at large.
How to be a respectful visitor after a disaster
Read up: Be sure to read up on the most recent information put out by the destination itself.
Buy local: Local businesses need your dollars more than ever after a disaster.
Be respectful: Locals inevitably struggle to rebuild their lives after a disaster, so it’s important to be mindful and sensitive as a visitor.
“Tourism is an important piece of any community’s recovery post-disaster, but you cannot let the economic activity lead everything,” he said. “You have real people who experienced the real trauma, who have different needs for their recovery. Restoring the economic activity for an area is one factor to consider, but it cannot be the only factor. You cannot let the economic recovery outpace the people recovery.”
This story was originally published in 2024 and has since been updated.
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