In destinations that have suffered natural disasters, tourism can be a force for good, but initially, visitors might be apprehensive about continuing with a planned trip or booking a new trip.
I recently had a chance to visit Asheville, North Carolina, nearly one year after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. It was inspiring to see how much of this vibrant city had recovered. Roughly 90% of businesses have reopened, according to a representative from Explore Asheville, and are eager to welcome visitors.
Even before the hardest-hit areas rebuild, you might be surprised at how many other neighborhoods and businesses are open in the aftermath of a disaster. For instance, after the devastating Lahaina fires on West Maui in 2023, the rest of the island remained open — and in need of tourism revenue. Although the Grand Canyon’s fire-stricken remote North Rim is closed for the rest of the 2025 season, it’s business as usual on the South Rim, where the majority of the lodging and visitor services are located.
Visiting after a natural disaster can give you a unique perspective on the spirit of a place and help you connect with the community on a deeper level.
While some areas may still be off-limits (the local tourism office is a great resource to use while planning), you’ll find plenty of others welcoming visitors, including hidden gems you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. There might even be opportunities for voluntourism, where visitors can assist with projects that provide a positive impact on the local community.
Plus, you’ll feel good knowing your tourism dollars are helping with the reconstruction process. Just be sure to focus your attention on locally owned restaurants and small businesses rather than larger chains to ensure those dollars go to the people who need them most.
For more travel content, check out these TPG stories:
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