Title: Influencers Slammed for Brand Trip to Uluru Amid Rule Violation and Sacred Site ‘Prop’ Accusations; Indigenous Woman Defends Group

This version condenses the key elements: criticism ("slammed"), the brand trip location (Uluru), the accusations (rule violation and using the site as a prop), and the defense by an Indigenous woman, while maintaining clarity and concision.

Australian Influencers Criticized for Uluru Sponsored Trip

Several Australian influencers, including Bella Messina, Alyssa Jane, Jessica Thoday, Tyra Brooke, Ella Victoria, and Lily April Rose, faced backlash after sharing content from a sponsored trip to Uluru. The group, invited by Explore Uluru to promote tourism in the Northern Territory, was accused of treating the sacred site as a “prop” for social media posts without acknowledging its cultural significance.

[Image: Influencers at Uluru]
Caption: The influencers shared photos and videos from their trip, sparking criticism online.

Backlash Over Disrespect
Social media users condemned the influencers for failing to engage with Indigenous culture or respect the Anangu people, Uluru’s Traditional Owners. Critics argued the content prioritized aesthetics over education, with one Reddit user stating, “Uluru isn’t a prop for white girls—it’s sacred land.” Others noted the lack of context about the site’s spiritual importance, with one commenter adding, “They’re not paying respects to Elders, land, lore, or culture.”

Cultural Sensitivity and Media Rules
Uluru, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds deep spiritual significance for the Anangu. Strict media guidelines prohibit photography in sacred areas, with fines exceeding $5,000 for violations. Permits are required for filming, even for personal social media content. Despite this, some influencers claimed they followed protocols. Alyssa Jane defended the group, stating they received an “hour-long briefing” and submitted content for approval by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (UKTNP) Media Office.

[Image: Uluru’s sacred sites]
Caption: Parts of Uluru are off-limits to photography to protect cultural heritage.

Indigenous Support and Approval Process
An Indigenous woman defended the campaign, explaining that UKTNP reviews all content before posting. “The goal is to boost tourism,” she wrote on Facebook, adding that approved footage was filmed in permitted areas. However, critics argued the campaign prioritized influencer aesthetics over meaningful cultural engagement.

Tourists Caught in Permit Confusion
Earlier, Australian travelers Britt and Tim Cromie faced similar issues after unknowingly violating media rules. They were ordered to delete Uluru content from their social media months after their visit. Britt explained in an Instagram video that they were unaware of the $20/day photo permit requirement, later discovering their footage included restricted areas.

[Image: Uluru photography guidelines]
Caption: Official maps highlight restricted zones to protect sacred sites.

Strict Penalties and Climbing Ban
Since 2019, climbing Uluru has been banned to honor Anangu wishes, with fines over $10,000. In 2022, a Victorian man was fined $2,500 for scaling the rock. Parks Australia emphasizes that sensitive sites are “equivalent to sacred scripture” and must not be photographed.

Conclusion
The controversy highlights the tension between tourism promotion and cultural preservation. While Explore Uluru’s campaign aimed to attract visitors, critics stress the need for respectful engagement with Indigenous heritage. As travel influencers navigate these guidelines, the incident serves as a reminder of Uluru’s sacred status beyond its iconic landscape.

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