crisis strongmanagementstrong in tourist destinations.pdfVIP

Crisis Management in Tourist Destinations By: Sevil F. Sönmez and Dr. Sheila J. Backman Sönmez, S. and S.J. Backman (1992). Crisis Management in Tourist Destinations. Visions in Leisure and Business, 11(3):25-33. Made available courtesy of Sage Publications: / *** Note: Figures may be missing from this format of the document Abstract: Whether natural or caused by people, disasters have been and continue to be a part of life that communities must deal with. Tourism destinations are especially vulnerable to disaster occurrences due to their economic dependence on visitors and the need to maintain a positive image of attractiveness and safety for continued success. The past decade has witnessed numerous natural disasters in tourist destinations around the world; therefore, community leaders, local governments, and major industries need to be prepared for the worst. The 1989 Hurricane Hugo experience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was managed by a local non-profit organization comprised of volunteer community and industry leaders. The Hugo experience demonstrated the need to have a plan of action to follow after disaster occurrences. Telephone interviews were conducted with tourism leaders around the country and written inquiries were made to locate a tourism crisis management plan. The lack of information led to the development of the Myrtle Beach Tourism Crisis Management Manual, to assist the travel and tourism industry respond to and manage natural disasters in an effective manner. Article: INTRODUCTION Overview It is unusual to think of tourism and disasters in the same light. The concept of tourism embodies enjoyment, relaxation and safety, whereas disasters cause distress, fear, and even panic. Regardless of the unpleasantness of the subject, it must be accepted that whether natural or caused by man, disasters have been and continue to be a part of life and communities must deal with them. Each community h