Not everything happens on Instagram: criticism of "influencers" for the promotion of "wonders" of Saudi Arabia

Barrage of criticism from a group of influencers who have agreed to promote travel on their Instagram accounts to publicize "the charms" of Saudi Arabia. The people involved would have agreed to participate in Gateway KSA, a program that, as they explain on their website, is looking for "influencers and leaders of tomorrow" to: invite them to discover "Millenarian archaeological ruins, spaces dedicated to science and research" and the possibility of interaction with "the local and international community" of the country.

To be an ambassador in Saudi networks, it is essential to be a student, in addition to having a good handful of members. Saudi Arabia expands visa policy and it will open its doors to tourists from 51 countries to boost tourism and initiate a strategy not to rely too much on oil.

Lana Rose is one of the influential people who have served as ambassadress for Saudi Arabia. With over one and a half million followers on Instagram He said that he felt like "in the movie of Aladdin" visit some of the country's landscapes. In his messages, it implies that the content is paid with the hashtag #welcometoArabia and @visitsaudi. Mick Salas is another instador who promotes Saudi tourism on his behalf. In one of his three positions recommended to his followers "add Saudi Arabia to your list of places to visit" because "there are no words to describe how majestic their landscapes are." Lyss, a New York influencer with more than 1.8 million followers, said his trip to Saudi Arabia had made him discover "the hospitality, love and vibrant culture" of the country.

Many of his followers have strongly criticized these instagramers. "Have you seen how many beheadings took place recently in Saudi Arabia?" Said a disciple to Mick Salas. "Come, forget about discrimination against women, the total absence of human rights and corruption. As long as there are beautiful tourist attractions, it does not matter, right? Commented another person to Lyss.

Instagramer @travellingjezebel recalled that while some influencers are accepting money from the Saudi government, some local bloggers jailed for talking about "freedom of religionNo women's rights.

In Saudi Arabia, women were able to vote for the first time in 2015 and, according to an article in El País, in August of this year, travel restrictions imposed on adult women were lifted, which required 39, authorization of Your guardians Riyadh recently suffered from international censorship for the situation of women which, according to human rights groups, are often treated as second-class citizens because they have until now needed the consent of a guardian to make important decisions while throughout their lives, regardless of their age. In addition, The assassination of journalist Yamal Kashogi in 2018 In the hands of Saudi agents at the country's consulate in Istanbul, he encouraged the repudiation of the international community, which criticized Riyadh for arresting and allegedly torturing an activist.

As published by The New York Times, some of the followers who criticized these trips were blocked by influencers so that they can not continue to give their opinion on Instagram, everything is not always valid.

Faced with criticism from his supporters, Mick Salas decided to explain in his story why he accepted the invitation. "I do not consider politics to be a determining factor when planning my travels." Finally, ask his followers, "Do you want to boycott a trip to a country based on the images or information you see in the media or would you be willing to travel anywhere with open mind and heart to form an opinion based on one's personal experiences?

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