Since September 2019, Australia is surrounded by flames that never cease. As a result of the advance of fire, human victims, animals and material losses are impossible to calculate.
Roads have been closed and a state of national emergency established. Tourism has collapsed. Within this context, is it convenient to travel there? How could the health of passengers be affected? What are the precautions to consider? How is tourism affected? On this occasion, throughout this QTAssist analysis, we will provide accurate information regarding fires in Australia when traveling.
Fires in Australia: an overview
According to the scientific community, forest fires are due to global warming, expressed in extreme heat, droughts and high winds, which has found another modality to affect biodiversity and human health. Currently, during the month of January 2020, 10 million hectares have been destroyed. And it is estimated that there are already 26 dead people, 1000 million dead animals and native fauna with injuries and displacement obligation.
On the other hand, among the most affected animal population, there are koalas, bats, birds, marsupials, kangaroos, reptiles and platypus. The lack of vegetation, water and the progress of fire diminish the chances of survival of more than 380 species.
The outbreaks of fire occurred in various regions, but especially in the states of New South Wales (Sydney) and Victoria (Melbourne). Also, on the south coast (Kangaroo Island). Although the rains (and even hail), together with the low temperatures, as of the second half of January, the situation has improved, the fire continues to advance.
The incidence of fires in Australian tourism
Tourism is considered to account for 3% of the Australian national GDP. According to the director of Tourism Australia, Philllipa Harrison, this represents approximately 45,000 million Australian dollars. But due to forest fires, monetary losses are invaluable.
Many passengers, from the Australian natural disaster, have begun to consider the level of security they will have when visiting that country. And if it is convenient to make the crossing or postpone the trip.
According to the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), there have been thousands of cancellations of international reservations from the United States and the entire European continent. For his part, the president of the Quantas airline says that more than 70% of the reservations have been canceled, ranging between $ 5,000 and $ 500,000. In addition, 20% of hotel cancellations have been registered, compared to 2019.
From the government authorities, an investment of 47 million euros was launched in order to protect tourism. Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham urged passengers not to cancel their reservations and seek accurate information through their tourist agencies.
Some recommendations when traveling Australia
If you choose to travel, embassies from different countries have advised you to be duly informed and constantly review news updates through digital devices. Also, receive informative training to act on any request for evacuation at the site, by local authorities.
On the other hand, the proximity to the fire zones can cause respiratory complications of different severity. To counteract this situation, the use of masks designed to prevent the breathing of smoke from fires, which accumulates in the form of toxic clouds, is recommended. The most vulnerable population is made up of older adults, neonatals and young children.
Finally, passengers are advised to check the status of their flights, as the policy of cancellations and changes usually varies according to each airline. And also, don't forget to check with your travel insurer, the status of your coverage in this destination.
