≡-Indonesia Joins the US, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Syria, and Other Countries in Battling Destructive Forest Fires, Disrupting Travel – Viral of Today

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Home » Greece » Greece Travel News » Indonesia Joins the US, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Syria, and Other Countries in Battling Destructive Forest Fires, Disrupting Travel Tuesday, July 22, 2025Indonesia now finds itself in the same place as the US, Greece, Turkey, Canada and Syria — countries fighting catastrophic forest fires, worsened by adverse weather and climate change. These infernos, spreading over huge swathes of land, are not only putting nearby communities at risk, they are disrupting travel routes. Tourism and travel industries in the affected areas are suffering massive losses, as airports are shut down and flights called off, and popular tourist sites are closed. While the fires rage on, the worldwide travel industry is reeling, as tourists reconsider travel plans and businesses face dire financial losses.The ongoing forest fires in various countries, including Indonesia, the US, Greece, Turkey, Canada, and Syria, have become a growing concern for governments, environmentalists, and the global tourism industry. These fires have not only caused severe environmental damage but also disrupted travel and tourism sectors, leading to flight cancellations, health risks, and a decline in tourist arrivals. Here’s a breakdown of how the tourism industry in each affected country is dealing with the destructive impact of these fires.Indonesia: Disruption in Riau, South Sumatra, and West SumatraThe ongoing forest fires in Indonesia have significantly disrupted the tourism sector, particularly in regions like Riau, South Sumatra, and West Sumatra. These fires, intensified by dry conditions, have led to hazardous air quality, flight disruptions, and a decline in tourist arrivals.Decline in Tourist Arrivals:The haze and safety concerns have deterred tourists from visiting affected areas. Regions like Riau and South Sumatra, known for their natural attractions, have seen a drop in bookings and footfall. This has deeply impacted local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that depend on the tourism industry.Popular eco-tourism sites, especially in Riau, have seen a significant decline in visitors, leading to cancellations from international tour groups and a decrease in revenue for the local hospitality sector.Health and Safety Concerns:The smoke has led to health advisories, with warnings against outdoor activities in affected areas. Tourists with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk, leading to cancellations and a shift in travel preferences. Many tourists have opted for destinations with better air quality, further affecting the tourism industry in Indonesia.United States: California and Hawaii’s Struggles with RecoveryThe 2024 wildfire season in the United States, notably severe in California and Hawaii, has had a profound impact on the tourism industry. From significant declines in visitor numbers and spending to disruptions in travel infrastructure, the effects have been widespread.California: A $5 Billion Loss in Tourism RevenueIn California, the tourism sector faced substantial setbacks due to the wildfires. The California Office of Tourism reported a 20% decline in visitor numbers, translating to an estimated loss of nearly $5 billion in tourism revenue. This downturn affected hotels, restaurants, and local businesses that rely heavily on tourist spending.Despite these challenges, California’s tourism spending reached a record-high of $157.3 billion in 2024, supported by 1.16 million jobs and generating $12.6 billion in tax revenue.Hawaii: Maui’s Struggle with RecoveryMaui’s tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the wildfires. Visitor numbers in 2024 were down 6% compared to 2023 and 23.4% compared to 2019. In the first half of 2024, total visitor spending was $2.19 billion, a 23.3% decline from the same period in 2023.The historic town of Lahaina, which was severely damaged by the wildfires, has seen a significant drop in tourism, with many visitors opting to avoid the island due to the destruction and ongoing recovery efforts.Los Angeles: Economic Strain Amid Recovery EffortsIn Los Angeles, the January 2025 wildfires caused significant disruptions. The city’s hotel, travel, and tourism industries, which employ over 540,000 workers and generate billions of dollars, were severely impacted. Despite the challenges, the city is focusing on recovery efforts, including a $4.3 million crisis recovery fund to boost tourism.Greece: Wildfires Threaten Tourism in Rhodes and CreteThe 2024 wildfire season in Greece significantly impacted the tourism sector, particularly in regions like Rhodes, Crete, and Athens. These fires led to widespread evacuations, flight cancellations, and a noticeable decline in tourist arrivals, affecting both local economies and the national tourism industry.Evacuations and Flight CancellationsIn July 2023, wildfires on Rhodes led to the evacuation of approximately 20,000 tourists. Major UK tour operators, including Jet2 and TUI, canceled flights to the island, disrupting travel plans for many visitors.The fires on Crete in July 2025 forced the evacuation of over 5,000 individuals, including tourists and residents, from areas such as Ierapetra. Approximately 3,500 tourists were among those evacuated.Decline in BookingsFollowing the fires, new bookings for travel to Rhodes fell by 76% during the week of July 17, 2023, compared to the previous week. Overall, bookings for Greece declined by 10% during this period, as safety concerns led to a significant reduction in tourist arrivals.Turkey: Fires Hit Popular Tourist DestinationsThe 2025 wildfires in Turkey have significantly impacted the tourism sector, particularly in regions like İzmir, Muğla, and Antalya. These areas, known for their scenic beauty and historical sites, faced substantial challenges due to the fires.Visitor Numbers and CancellationsIn Marmaris, a popular resort town, tourism providers reported an 80% cancellation rate for the remainder of the summer season. This sharp decline was attributed to safety concerns and the destruction of natural attractions.The Mediterranean region, including Antalya, experienced a significant downturn in tourism revenue. In 2024, Antalya welcomed 7.5 million tourists, falling short of the ambitious 18 million target set for 2025. This shortfall is partly due to the wildfires and ongoing geopolitical tensions.Economic Impact and Health ConcernsThe fires resulted in over 50,000 evacuations across the country, with at least 46 people hospitalized due to smoke-related issues. These health concerns deterred tourists from visiting affected areas and raised safety alarms for potential travelers.Canada: Alberta and British Columbia Face DevastationThe 2024 wildfires in Canada significantly disrupted the tourism sector, particularly in Western provinces like British Columbia and Alberta. The fires led to widespread evacuations, property damage, and a decline in visitor numbers, affecting both international and domestic tourism.Jasper, Alberta: A Devastating Blow to TourismIn July 2024, a massive wildfire swept through Jasper National Park, forcing the evacuation of approximately 25,000 residents and visitors. The fire destroyed about 30% of the town’s structures, including hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities. This event significantly impacted Jasper’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on summer visitors. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported that the Jasper wildfire caused an estimated C$880 million in insured damages, making it one of the most expensive natural disasters in Canadian history.British Columbia: Widespread Impacts on TourismBritish Columbia experienced severe wildfire activity in 2024, with hundreds of fires burning across the province. This led to road closures, evacuations, and poor air quality, deterring tourists from visiting affected areas. The British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association reported a 5% to 15% decline in bookings year-over-year, as travelers became hesitant to book in advance due to the risk of wildfires disrupting their plans.Syria: Wildfires Complicate Tourism in LatakiaSyria, already dealing with the effects of an ongoing civil war, has faced its own challenges with wildfires. The coastal region of Latakia, in particular, has been ravaged by firestorms that have destroyed large swathes of forest and farmland. These fires are a significant concern as they add to the complex humanitarian and environmental challenges already facing the country.The recent wildfires in Syria, particularly in the Latakia region, have had a profound impact on the tourism sector, compounding the challenges posed by over a decade of conflict and economic instability. While precise figures on the decline in tourist arrivals are not available, the effects on tourism infrastructure and local economies are evident.Damage to Tourist AttractionsLatakia, known for its Mediterranean beaches and cultural heritage sites, has experienced extensive damage. Natural attractions, including forests and parks, have been heavily impacted, reducing the region’s appeal to ecotourists and adventure travelers. Cultural sites, some of which date back to Roman times, are also at risk, potentially leading to long-term declines in cultural tourism.The ongoing forest fires in Indonesia, the United States, Greece, Turkey, Canada, and Syria have highlighted the vulnerability of the tourism sector to environmental crises. These countries, once popular tourist destinations, are now facing unprecedented challenges due to the destruction caused by wildfires. As governments work to contain the fires and address the safety of their citizens, the tourism industry will need to adjust to the long-term consequences, including a decline in visitor numbers, disruptions to travel, and economic setbacks.Indonesia, joins US Greece, Turkey, Canada, Syria and other nations, is fighting devastating forest fires, made worse by extreme weather and climate change. These fires have wreaked havoc on travel, with flight cancellations, frankly terrifying evacuations, and a major loss in tourism in the affected areas.With travel disruptions continuing, the recovery process for tourism-dependent regions will take time. Moving forward, it is critical for governments and the travel industry to invest in disaster preparedness, sustainable tourism practices, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the effects of future environmental crises.Tags: Canada, climate change, flight cancellations, forest fires, greece, indonesia, Syria, Tourism news, Travel Disruption, Travel News, Turkey, US, wildfire impact

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