A travel influencer has drawn heavy criticism after asking if the Philippines could "clean up" from a recent super typhoon in just ten days to accommodate her holiday plans, raising questions about tourism ethics amid a natural disaster.
Jasmin Rostock, a Danish influencer living in Melbourne with 67,000 TikTok followers, posted a viral video asking about the aftermath of a super typhoon expected to hit the Philippines on 4 or 5 November. Her question focused on whether popular tourist destinations could be ready for visitors by around 17 November.
“I need to hear it from someone who has been to the Philippines after a typhoon,” Rostock said in the video.
The video was widely denounced as "tone-deaf" for appearing to prioritize a vacation over the wellbeing and safety of residents coping with disaster recovery efforts.
Jasmin Rostock's video sparked debate about the responsibilities of tourists during natural disasters, emphasizing sensitivity over travel plans when communities are in crisis.
Author’s note: The influencer's question exposed a critical clash between tourism desires and empathy for disaster-hit communities, highlighting the need for more conscientious travel choices.