Tourist trolled for posting selfies in dream Aussie holiday while the country’s ravaged by bushfires
A TOURIST on holiday in Australia was trolled for posting selfies and pictures from her trip while bushfires are ravaging the country.
Deni Kirkova, 29, who lives in Melbourne, was called "self-absorbed" and told to "get a life" on her Instagram account.
Australia is currently battling the worst bushfires in history, which has killed more than a billion animals and 27 people, as well as destroying thousands of homes.
Deni shared images from her trip to Yarra Valley, where she received the negative comments.
Pictures of her show her posing in the vineyards, along with other pictures in Sydney and Melbourne
However, she clapped back, explaining that the country needs tourism now more than ever.
She wrote on : "I've posted a lot about the fires, mainly on my Facebook and Twitter.
"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";.
Deni continued: "Maybe a bit of context would be useful, so here it is. 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.
"One way we can help is to buy from small Australian brands and when possible, come visit the areas near those affected."
She advised tourists to "spend money on local businesses", stay with family-run accommodation and eat and drink locally.
She said: "Australia is suffering and there are many ways we can chip in and help. Life has to go on."
Many social media users agreed, sharing their own experience.
Carey David said: "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."
Someone else added: "The communities are struggling enough already without people refusing to go and spend their money there."
The Australian tourist board recently suspended their new advert welcoming visitors to the country, featuring Kylie Minogue, following the fires.
Most read in travel
An Instagram model was banned from the social media website after raising more than $700,000 for the bushfires - by sharing nude pictures.
Celebrities including Chris Hemsworth, Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton have all donated to help.
We've explained the latest travel advice for tourists in the country, with a State of Emergency declared in a number of regions.