Tourism Recovery after Natural Disasters – Case studies on how to Approach the Community, decision-makers and other public and private stakeholders

We are facing more and more natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and pandemics such as the one caused by COVID-19. Tourism is not immune to them and can suffer badly from its consequences. Therefore, this chapter aims to introduce the “Recovery Tourism after Natural Disaster” training programme. Through the programme, we can influence better responses to crises by territories and local communities, strengthening their resilience practices in tourism recovery. The training could be aimed at locals, local tourism management, local businesses and others from the community who can contribute to tourism recovery after a crisis. In our research, data was gathered through secondary data review and focus groups with tourism professionals and other stakeholders from different countries (e.g. Germany, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary). We also examined several European case studies that provide insights into examples of territory and community reconstruction and resilience actions. All gathered data showed that there is primarily a lack of preparation and adequate knowledge by the figures operating in the tourism sector about risk management and the recovery of damage resulting from natural disasters. Evidence showed that locals are unaware of the appropriate response to natural disaster crises. Consequently, the proposed training programme addresses the most important topics and includes support to emergency first response (for example, logistical support and supply chains; crisis communication); recovery marketing strategy (for example, analysing, planning, controlling); destination management after disaster (for example, revitalisation and networking); innovative recovery after disaster (for example, creative techniques, allocation of resources and involvement of local community); and post-disaster communication.