Chapter 12: Responding to Disasters: Strategies for Tourism and Hospitality Entrepreneurs

The Impact of Disastrous Events

• Loss of generated income• Demise of destination image• Decrease in tourism and hospitality workforce• Lack of accessibility

Preparing for Disastrous Events

• Emergency management plan• Adequate insurance coverage• Emergency management arrangements• Who to contact and how to stay informed• Appropriate policy and procedures

Preparing for Disastrous Events

• List your business with the nearest accredited Visitor Information Center

• Identify the protocol for working with the media• Develop a business continuity plan

Responding to Disastrous Events

Recovery strategies for small businesses:• Managing cancellations and encouraging visitation• Diversifying product and target markets• Mitigating negative destination image perceptions• Retaining the tourism and hospitality work force