Denmark, Western Australia: Controversial sign in popular tourist town sparks outrage: ‘I am so embarrassed’
A controversial roadside sign in a popular tourist town has sparked division between visitors and locals.
The sign, which reads ‘birthplace, not a tourist town!’, was placed in Denmark, Western Australia, but has since been removed by the council.
Even after the sign was removed, the debate raged on as photos continued to circulate on social media.
According to a local resident, the number of tourists visiting the city has increased dramatically since the pandemic, but there is not enough accommodation or ‘infrastructure’ to support the population.
The sign that reads ‘birthplace, not a tourist town!’ (pictured) was established in Denmark, in Western Australia, but has since been removed by the Shire of Denmark Council
A photo of the sign on Facebook sparked a debate among locals, with many condemning the ‘attitude’ of the sign’s owner.
‘As a resident of Denmark, I am ashamed of this sign. Please come to our beautiful city and enjoy the beauty and hospitality and support our local businesses. Please ignore the ignorant few,” one person wrote.
Another said: ‘I love people who think their city would be so much better without tourists, when the only reason the city survives is because of tourist money.’
Meanwhile, others agreed with the sign’s sentiment, saying there should be a limit on the number of tourists allowed in and that they just want to live “peacefully” and “drama-free.”
A local entrepreneur and business owner said potential visitors used to be ‘put off’ by the city, which is about a five-hour drive from Perth.
Denmark (photo) is about a five-hour drive from Perth
Denmark’s city council has embraced its new label as a popular tourist destination, stating that ‘Denmark (pictured) is a beautiful place to visit’
He went on to explain that more people have discovered Denmark since the Covid pandemic, with large numbers of Australians able to work from home and moving from cities to rural areas.
While infrastructure work still needs to be done to support its rising popularity, many locals say tourism is “good for the city” and “the economy.”
Denmark’s city council has embraced the new label as a popular tourist destination, stating that ‘Denmark is a beautiful place to visit’.