Pacific Perspective
Pacific Perspective
Terrorist attacks and crime against tourists in the past have created strong short-term declines in tourism. In the long run, however, evidence shows that the industry is resilient. Terrorism in Egypt; crimes against tourists in Florida; and political instability, such as the Tiananmen Square incident in China, each brought a drastic reduction in tourist arrivals that subsequently bounced back. Security and
sustainability in tourismWill this crisis, which seems more far-reaching than others, affect tourism differently? The long run effects are yet to be seen, even though travelers are returning to Hawaii. No matter the outcome, all tourism destinations, including Hawaii, would be wise to use these events as a stimulus to prepare for future crisis situations.
Security and protection for tourists must now be factored into the sustainability of a destination. Sustainability has three dimensions: economic, environmental and socio-cultural.
>> Economic sustainability is threatened, since crises place in jeopardy, at least in the short run, the livelihoods of many small- and medium-sized tourism businesses. Therefore long-term economic sustainability requires that resources be set aside for use in a crisis so economic infrastructure is not destroyed. Cross-training of employees with security skills may reduce the number of unemployed visitor industry personnel immediately after an incident.The use of information technology, among other strategies, may help maintain a destination's sustainability in light of such events. Knowledge bases of best practices for crisis management can be created either at the international, national or local level and shared.>> The environmental sustainability of a destination is particularly vulnerable if biological or chemical weapons are involved. Attacks, in addition to their immediate destruction, can endanger the water and air quality of a destination -- as New York is now experiencing. There is a need to consider protection of tourism's heritage monuments.
>> The socio-cultural sustainability of a destination has two dimensions. Destinations need to assess their acceptance of cultural diversity, and develop a society in which racism does not exist. Strengthening the cultural and spiritual fabric will enhance the healing of a destination's host population.
Geographic information systems can be augmented to include security data and help the destination monitor its resources and the safety of its visitors. Global positioning systems can assist in locating visitors in crisis situations. Mobile technologies such as cell phones have already demonstrated their importance in crises, and as transmittal devices of critical and timely information.
Since crises are characterized by lack of information, the use of IT can bring critical information on how to act to assist recovery.
Pauline Sheldon is interim dean and professor at the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management. This column was taken from her address to the World Tourism Organization's 14th general assembly in Seoul Sept. 26. Reach her at psheldon@hawaii.edu.