Canadian traveller Rosie Gabrielle slams local tourists for 'destroying Hunza's culture'

As tourism resumes in Pakistan after the third spell of coronavirus in the country, many have made their way to the stunning locales of the northern areas for a change of scene. Tired of the monotonous life and daily routine tends to wear one out and a vacation in the mountains always seemed like a stellar idea.

However, time and again, the locals have made a point to inform tourists of piling garbage in the seemingly gorgeous areas. Now, the Canadian traveller, Rosie Gabrielle, has now taken to social media and shared her two cents on the matter. Sharing what seemed like screenshots of the complaints from local residents about recklessness and untidiness, she shared how it hurts her to see Hunza in the current state. 

"As tourism rises in Pakistan, especially local tourists, there is a growing problem that needs to be immediately addressed before it’s too late. Since Covid happened and travelling outside the country has decreased, there’s been an influx of people flocking north," she began, adding, "But instead of bringing just their smiles and leaving only good memories, they are bringing bad behaviours, drugs, vulgarity, rave parties and leaving a lot of TRASH!"

She went on to comment, "One of my worst experiences in Pakistan was when I started to go north. If you followed me then, you’d see I almost had a nervous breakdown from the amount of disturbance I received from local tourists. I can’t even imagine what locals experience every day. It was so bad I ran far into the mountains for many weeks to escape these people."

Rosie added that she "understand that people need to express themselves, release pent up energies and get out of their suffocating lives." She added, "But coming to sacred land, feeling privileged and entitled to destroy it, bringing your toxic habits to innocent communities is NOT okay! By introducing these behaviours and substances you are destroying a culture. By leaving your trash, ur demolishing the land and disrespecting the house of God."

Rosie went on to add that "at this rate, without responsible tourism in the north, there’ll be nothing left." The communities and youth need our support and love, not filth. Instead of raves, create workshops and make music. Bring your skills, not your drugs, show love, not vulgarity. "For God's sake, clean up after yourself," 

Rosie commented that the locals reached out to her for help. "I received countless messages from local Hunza people, pleading me to help stop this carnage. They are losing their traditional values, indigenous cultures and land. Because this world is not ours to destroy. These lands and cultures are not yours to abuse," she wrote. "If you are angry or repressed, find a way to process it in a healthy way and give back to the communities you visit. The most healing thing you can do for yourself is to be in nature, nurture yourself and give back to others."

"The north is pure, please keep it that way or stay home," she concluded. 

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.