Post Tsunami Reconstruction and Tourism: a second disaster?

 The Boxing Day tsunami had a greater impact on UK public consciousness than any other modern natural disaster. Thousands of Europeans were among those who died on 26 December 2004. We knew and loved some of the devastated beaches. They have been favourite holiday spots for many of us.
A record amount of promised donations and aid was raised to help the victims: £400 million in the UK alone. Yet ten months after the disaster, thousands of survivors are still trying to survive in temporary camps.
Many of them are being refused permission to return home. Governments and big businesses have plans for the beaches – and the plans don’t include the people who used to live and work there.
Tourism is the new occupying force.
This report looks at the countries where the post-tsunami reconstruction plans involve the tourism industry. (Even though Indonesians suffered terribly, Bali and other Indonesian tourist areas were not directly affected by the tsunami.)
Research has not been easy. The issues are very complex and difficult. Nothing is static, the situations are changing constantly and there is often a lack of transparency. But there is no denying the worrying picture that emerges. Having suffered so much on 26 December, the local communities now find themselves disempowered and their rights and interests marginalised.
If we are not careful, only holidaymakers, governments and big business will benefit from the new post-tsunami tourism. Our future ‘paradise’ holidays will be enjoyed at the expense of survivors who not only lost family, friends, their homes and possessions, but are also about to lose any hope of a future.