Natural disasters that shook the tourism industry to its core, from 2023 Rhodes wildfires to 2019 Venice floods to 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

Natural disasters can deter holidaymakers from visiting the affected area in the aftermath, which can trigger chain reactions throughout the tourism industry

From July’s Greek wildfires to the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption and 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, these eight natural disasters left their mark on tourists

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Wildfires rage in Gennadi village, on the island of Rhodes, Greece, on July 25, 2023. The Greek government is now working with the tourism sector to rescue the season after the natural disaster. Photo: AP

Tim Pile

Published: 4:15am, 13 Sep 2023Updated: 9:50am, 14 Sep 2023

While the long-term impact may be minimal, natural disasters usually deter holidaymakers from visiting the affected area in the immediate aftermath. This can trigger a chain reaction, leading to the closure of tourism-related businesses and lay-offs, which in turn reverberates throughout the local community.

Here are eight natural disasters – and disasters exacerbated by human-influenced climate breakdown – that left their mark on tourists and their hosts.

1. Venice – 2019 floods

Hong Kong had a reminder of the dangers of flooding on September 7, when 158.1mm (6.2in) of rain fell in just one hour, prompting a black rainstorm warning (the highest in a three-tier warning system) to be raised for more than 16 hours – longer than ever before.

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And the city is not alone; mainland China, Libya, Greece, Turkey, Japan, Brazil, the United States and India have all seen extreme downpours in the past few weeks.

In November 2019, Venice experienced its most severe flooding in 50 years. Sightseeing attractions such as St Mark’s Square were submerged and numerous shops, restaurants and bars inundated. Up to half the city’s 120 churches were waterlogged.

Tourists carry their luggage as they wade through water during floods in Venice on December 23, 2019. Photo: AP

The phenomenon is a regular occurrence in the winter months, though, and doesn’t bother Venetians too much. What does concern them is the depth of the water and the increasing frequency of the flooding.