Disaster tourism involves visiting areas that have experienced natural or man-made disasters, which some argue is exploitative and insensitive. Proponents argue it can boost the local economy. Charitable groups offer alternative trips focused on rebuilding communities and providing charitable services.
Disaster tourism is the practice of traveling to areas that have recently experienced natural or man-made disasters. Individuals who participate in this type of travel are typically curious to see the results of the disaster and often travel as part of an organized group. Many people have criticized disaster tourism as exploiting human misery and a practice that humiliates and demeans local residents. Others argue that tourism to devastated areas can offer a boost to the local economy and raise accident awareness, both of which are often necessary after a tragedy. It should be noted that disaster tourism is separate and distinct from the efforts of humanitarian groups who may bring in work crews from outside the area to assist in cleanup, reconstruction and the provision of needed services to local residents.
When a geographic region suffers a major accident, the media can spend a lot of time reporting on the situation and the plight of local residents. In some cases, this reporting may inspire curiosity in individuals who may have difficulty understanding the extent of the situation. As a result, some people will actually visit affected areas so they can experience the situation firsthand. These individuals are typically motivated by curiosity and do not necessarily intend to participate in relief efforts to help rebuild the communities they will visit. In some cases, those participating in emergency tourism will simply travel to an area on their own, while others will purchase a tour package from a travel agency.
Some people who have reported disaster tourism note that some local residents, government officials and community advocates find the practice disturbing. Detractors of emergency tourism find the practice insensitive, as it turns private citizens and their misery into a tourist attraction. Citizens are not compensated directly for their participation in the “attraction” and generally do not give permission to be photographed or observed by tourists. Furthermore, detractors also argue that the presence of tourists, particularly if transported in large coaches or traveling in large groups, can interfere with legitimate rescue operations. Proponents of disaster tourism argue that tourism brings needed money to an area, which is important for stabilizing the economy and creating new jobs. Without income from tourism, advocates argue, disaster-hit areas will have a hard time restoring their communities.
As an alternative to disaster tourism, many charitable groups offer individuals the opportunity to travel to disaster-affected areas as part of a business group. These groups work with local organizations to rebuild communities and provide charitable and even relocation services to residents who have lost their homes, jobs and families. While there may be some opportunities for tourism on these trips, the emphasis of travel is on outreach to communities rather than recreational travel.
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