The Melbourne-based tourist was labelled 'self-absorbed' for posting pictures from her trip. Photo / Instagram
The Melbourne-based tourist was labelled 'self-absorbed' for posting pictures from her trip. Photo / Instagram
A tourist on holiday in Australia has been trolled for posting selfies and pictures from her trip while bushfires ravage parts of the country.
Deni Kirkova, who lives in Melbourne, was called "self-absorbed" and told to "get a life" on her Instagram account after posting a string of photos from her travels.
The 29-year-old shared images from her trip to the Yarra Valley vineyards and her holiday in Sydney, only to receive the negative comments on social media.
However, she hit back at the haters, explaining the country needs tourism now more than ever.
Deni Kirkova was trolled about going on holidays to places like the Yarra Valley. Photo / Instagram
"I've posted a lot about the fires, mainly on my Facebook and Twitter," she wrote.
"But I recently got a few criticisms on Twitter over a photo of me out at a vineyard in the @visityarravalley_official, suggesting it was smug and insensitive as the country is on fire."
She added that she had to block many of the comments, which were "pretty abusive".
"Maybe a bit of context would be useful, so here it is," she added.
"Trying to stay normal – to support local tourism and business – is important too.
"The economy is already suffering, and what people really don't need is to struggle financially after seeing their neighbourhoods burn down.
Ms Kirkova said holidaying was one way to help Aussies impacted by fires get back on their feet. Photo / Instagram
"One way we can help is to buy from small Australian brands and when possible, come visit the areas near those affected."
Ms Kirkova said one way to help Australians impacted by the bushfires was to "spend money on local businesses", stay with family-run accommodation and eat and drink locally.
"Australia is suffering and there are many ways we can chip in and help," she said.
"Life has to go on."
Many social media users agreed, sharing their own experience.
"Many businesses and tourism and hospitality providers (and therefore the local communities) who have been affected by the fires are losing money and need all the support from tourism they can get," one person commented.
Others came to her support, saying more people should be booking a holiday in Australia. Photo / Instagram
"The communities are struggling enough already without people refusing to go and spend their money there," another added.
Tourism Australia recently suspended their new advert – featuring Kylie Minogue – welcoming visitors to the country following the fires.
Earlier, Prime Minister Scott Morrison used his close relationship with US President Donald Trump to force a downgrade of US travel advice warning tourists to avoid Australia due to the bushfire crisis.
Following the intervention from the PM, the red flag for American tourists was revised, meaning the US advice to "postpone trips" to Australia was downgraded.
