What Have We Learned? A Critical Review of Tourism Disaster Management

Abstract

This article reviews previous studies of tourism disaster management. In critically reviewing the related literature it aims at advancing the understanding of the subject in a systematic manner. Hence, by synthesizing different investigations in this area it will propose approaches toward more effective and efficient disaster mitigation and industry resilience. With the case of the Sichuan earthquake in mind, this article will propose a holistic disaster management framework, in light of past experiences derived from other incidents of similar nature or magnitude.

Dark touristic perception: Motivation, experience and benefits interpreted from the visit to seismic memorial sites in Sichuan province

“…Third, the results open the debate about how the commemorative landscape is shaped into a tourist attraction through media, political and social forces, and how the shifting power between commemoration and recreation should be placed during interpretive sessions receding with the passage of time as well as the critique of what can be learned for tourism disaster management from memorial sites of the earthquake (Ashworth 2002;Xu and Grunewald 2009). At the same time, the results presented here need to be qualified in at least three ways: First, for the complexity of the underlying relationships between visitor experiences, travel motivation and benefits gained, these behavioral constructs need to be further addressed using structural equation modeling (SEM).…”

Towards a research agenda for post-disaster and post-crisis recovery strategies for tourist destinations: a narrative review

“…Individually, operators may be able to do little to rebuild the destination and their market share, but collectively, they can aid the recovery process (Ciocco & Michael, 2007). Much emphasis has been placed on knowledge sharing and organisational learning, particularly in areas where crises and disasters happen on a more regular basis (Blackman & Ritchie, 2008) and Xu and Grunewald (2009) are quite emphatic when they state that the success of tourism-disaster management depends on collaboration and knowledge sharing. However, there is little evidence from the studies in the review to suggest that this has been taking place.…”

When Disaster Strikes: The Thai Floods of 2011 and Tourism Industry Response and Resilience

“…In addition to the massive loss of life and physical damage, the tsunami inspired lingering fear and uncertainty among tourists and tourism businesses (Gurtner, 2007;Rittichainuwat, 2013). Earthquakes in Sichuan in 2008 (Xu & Grunewald, 2009) and Taiwan in 1999 (Huang, Tseng, & Petrick, 2008) also raised concerns about safety and impeded tourist flows. Other instances of disruption to tourism by natural phenomena, albeit on a smaller scale, are the cyclones and floods to which certain Australian destinations are prone (Beirman, 2012;Faulkner & Vikulov, 2001;Yeo, 2002).…”

“…Such a stance can aggravate problems and delay recovery (Hystad & Keller, 2008;Malhotra & Venkatesh, 2009). A disaster attacks both the hardware and software of a destination, rendering it unable to function (Faulkner, 2001;Laws & Prideaux, 2005;Xu & Grunewald, 2009); the first can often be repaired, unless the destruction is overwhelming, but rebuilding confidence may be a longer and costly task. Many Indian Ocean tsunami-struck resorts had completed restoration work within one to two years, but anxiety persisted among visitors and residents (Rittichainuwat, 2013).…”