I remember the video of the guy who visits countries as a tourist after major disasters or tragedies because everything becomes cheaper.
“Tourism accounts for 12% of Thailand’s gross national product (GDP) and employs more than 20% of the total workforce, according to a speech by the country’s central bank governor last year.”
So it’s important to keep that flowing, but from my perspective, as a traveler, I’m not worried about my SAFETY, I’m worried about the volume of my tourist traffic taking space away from some aid worker trying to get there to help people.
“Sorry, we’re full up, your (checks notes) ‘crate of medical supplies’ will have to be on the next flight.”
I don’t think passengers and crates of medical supplies share space on flights.
His reasoning was that a country after a disaster needs its economy to stabilise as rapidly as possible. Yes, he gets a good deal, but he’s also going at a time when local businesses need to trade, people need life to return to normal (as much as possible). Recovering from a tragedy can be helped by the show of faith and confidence of visitors who still want to experience your homeland and all it has to offer. That solidarity is the same concept Princess Diana displayed in her physical embracing of the AIDS community in a time of fear, ignorance, misinformation, and sadness. My take is that reaching out at a time when people feel alone and unwanted is always a kind gesture.
deleted by creator
