No selfies! Tourism’s growing backlash against #travelgoals

Social media has turned the world on its head in more ways than one. Suddenly, millennials were considering deep philosophical questions such as, “If you don't post it on Facebook, did it really happen?”

In an article for the Guardian, Jacob Silverman posits that sharing our every moment of life on Instagram and other social media has become the “new living”.

Despite this, a backlash against social media travelling is emerging. From hotels to tourism sites and even cities, many are taking a stance against social media and the selfie culture.

Here are three ways the tourism world is saying enough is enough to #travel #livingmybestlife #winning #blessed.

1. WELCOME TO VIENNA. NOT #VIENNA

Vienna has launched a digital detox campaign encouraging tourists to “enjoy the city behind your pics”, by putting aside their smartphones.

According to iNews, the campaign, called Unhashtag Vienna, was launched earlier this month at the Belvedere Palace and Art Gallery.

As part of it, a replica of Gustav Klimt’s famous artwork The Kiss was covered with a red hashtag. The real artwork was placed in separate room where visitors could “consciously” take in the painting without the distraction of social media.

2. BALI RESORT BANS PHONES AND TABLETS FROM POOLSIDE

The Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali, Indonesia, has banned the use of phones and tablets at one of their pools between 9am and 5pm, The Telegraph reports.

Although there are specific times when guests can take selfies by the River Pool, the resort promises a social media and technology free experience for a good eight hours. “The ethos of River Pool is to create a place of tranquillity where our guests can truly relax and be ‘in the moment’.”

3. HOTEL SAYS NO TO #FREELOADERS

After an online row with a YouTube vlogger, an eatery and hotel in Dublin, Ireland, The White Moose Café, banned travel bloggers.

According to The Telegraph, Ellie Darby, an influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers, wanted a free stay at the hotel in exchange for social media marketing to her followers.

Instead, the hotel published her email on Facebook with a long post about how influencers and “people who write stuff on the internet” are freeloaders.