An American YouTuber has ignited a fierce online debate after claiming he fell seriously ill in India, despite eating only at five-star hotels. Tyler Oliveira, a 25-year-old travel content creator, says his experience highlights a broader issue that many are quick to ignore: India’s ongoing battle with sanitation and public health.

But not everyone’s convinced. And the internet is on fire.

‘White Tourists Come Here to Slum It’, An Indian Woman’s Video Started It All

It all began when an Indian woman posted a now-viral video slamming white travellers for “romanticising poverty” in India. She accused them of living in worse conditions than the country’s poor, just to go back and call India “pathetic.”
The YouTuber fired back with a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying he wasn’t “slumming it.” He was staying in 5-star hotels and still ended up catching four strains of Salmonella. “Only ate in 5-star hotels and still contracted 4 types of Salmonella,” he wrote. The reason? According to him, the hotel likely sourced eggs from a chicken farm next to a literal mountain of trash.

“Not Racist to Talk About Hygiene”

Tyler insisted that criticising India’s sanitation issues isn’t racism, it’s reality. “There are serious hygiene issues that must be addressed in India. It is NOT racist to address the poor quality of life most Indians are subjected to while the upper caste insulates themselves from reality,” he posted.

To back up his claims, he even attached medical reports proving his illness. But that didn’t stop the flood of angry comments calling him out for “defaming India.”

The $100-a-Night Argument

When people accused him of travelling on a budget, Tyler clarified: “The 5-star hotels were about $100 a night. It was budget travel relative to American standards.” He even took a dig at India’s wealth gap: “Ambani has a billion-dollar tower overlooking the slums. Your anger is misplaced,” he said.The internet remains divided. Some Indians echoed his concerns, saying it’s time India stops being defensive and starts fixing real problems. Others slammed him for reducing an entire country to a bad stomach bug.

Inputs from agencies

Singapore, Jul 27 (PTI) Resort World Sentosa (RWS) is coming up with a new luxury hotel at Sentosa island of Singapore in collaboration with Marriott International.

The 183 all-suite hotel, ‘The Laurus’ — named after laurel leaves historically used to crown victors and honour achievements — will open by the end of the year.

“Our landmark collaboration with Marriott International to bring the very first The Luxury Collection branded property to Singapore further exemplifies our commitment to redefine luxury guest experiences. The Laurus, a luxury collection resort, embodies the very essence of our ongoing pivot to offer curated destination experiences as part of RWS’ transformational expansion plans,” Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer, RWS, said.

He said the new hotel will offer guests experience the Singapore’s rich heritage, the captivating beauty of Sentosa’s flora and fauna while experiencing RWS’ hallmark hospitality.

“The Laurus at RWS stands as a shining beacon, heralding a new era of exceptional luxury and hospitality, further cementing RWS’ esteemed status as Asia’s premium lifestyle destination resort,” he said.

According to Marriott International the tie-up is a milestone which reflects its commitment to the evolving luxury landscape of the island city.

“Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s storied past and rich cultural heritage, The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, will celebrate the essence of the city, and we look forward to welcoming global explorers and collectors to experience Singapore’s captivating charm through the lens of our brand,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

The Laurus offers suites as well as courtyard spaces and a function room spanning across five floors, the company said, adding that the hotel will have a bar, a landscaped outdoor swimming pool and spa and all-day-dining concept restaurant.

Spanning 49 hectares, the hotel is home to world-class attractions like the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark, it said.

Complementing the adventure and adrenaline of its theme parks and attractions are six unique luxury hotels, the premier Resorts World Convention Centre, and a casino.

The integrated resort also offers world-class entertainment from star-studded concerts to immersive exhibitions.

RWS is the first integrated resort to be inducted into the TTG Travel Hall of Fame in 2023 after being named “Best Integrated Resort” for 10 consecutive years at the TTG Travel Awards, which recognises the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel industry.