How the pandemic has affected the tourism industry in Rapa Nui and what we can expect in the future.
Living in Rapa Nui has always been a unique experience, where culture and nature blend in perfect harmony. We have always been proud to showcase our cultural heritage and natural beauty to those who come to visit us. However, the pandemic has had a significant impact on our tourism industry and has led to a reflection on the importance of responsible tourism.
The closure of our borders for some years was a severe blow to our economy. Many tourism businesses were forced to close their doors, and many families lost their jobs. On the other hand, the closure also allowed us to reflect on the impact that tourism has on our island and the environment.
The overexploitation of tourism and the increase in the number of visitors we were receiving before the pandemic had begun to have a negative impact on our community and our surroundings. It had become common to see tourists who did not respect our sacred sites or our culture, leading to a sense of intrusion into our daily lives.
That is why, as we prepare for the reopening of tourism, there has been a strong emphasis on promoting responsible tourism. The Tourism Directorate of the Rapa Nui Municipality has been working collaboratively with the local community to create a more sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism sector.
The pandemic has been an opportunity to rethink how we welcome visitors and how we can protect our culture and nature. New initiatives have been developed, such as promoting community-based tourism and environmental tourism.
Furthermore, special attention has been given to environmental tourism education and awareness. Awareness campaigns have been conducted to encourage visitors to respect our sacred sites, our culture, and our nature. These campaigns have also involved the local community to make them feel more engaged and valued in the process.
The pandemic has been a wake-up call for us in Rapa Nui. It has forced us to rethink how we welcome visitors and how we can protect our culture and nature. Responsible tourism has become essential for the sustainability of our tourism industry and our community as a whole. We hope to continue advancing on this path towards more sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism.