Disaster Risk Management for Coastal Tourism - Caribbean Hotel ...

Disaster Risk Management For Coastal Tourism Destinations Responding To Climate Change
A Practical Guide For Decision Makers
4.2.1
Activities and Priorities of the Coordinating Group
The Coordinating Group is the nexus between the disaster management agency
and the local tourism industry. The Group provides a coordinating function for the
destination’s preparedness process and therefore it is important to arrive at early
consensus on its vision, mission and responsibilities. The following should be
undertaken as initial Group activities:
Appoint the group leadership team: Members should initially select a
chairperson, vice-chairs and secretariat. The latter may be undertaken
association. Some destinations may need to appoint co-chairs from
government tourism agencies and the tourism private sector. The team will
provide Group leadership, focus and follow-up and have a direct relationship
2) Agree on the operating ground rules: Establishing and agreeing on the
operating rules are essential for providing focus and direction for the
multiplicity of tourism industry interests and expertise represented. The
Coordinating Group should agree on a shared goal and common objectives,
scope of work, agenda, working arrangements and a meetings schedule, as
3) Establish group priorities and a working plan: Initial discussions will yield
the Coordinating Group’s priorities and working plan. This could be an
exercise facilitated by specialists from the disaster management agency or
alternatively by an outside expert. The latter option, by providing an external
facilitation role, helps to maintain objectivity. Working plans should also
identify budgetary requirements, shared and allocated resources, as well as
4) Establish joint working groups or committees: The technical requirements
of risk assessment may require the delegation of this task to a specialist
assessment, communications, or public outreach.
5) Build on tourism sector networks (e.g. associations, tour operators, etc.):
building upon tourism sector networks is important for reaching consensus
on needs, priorities and outreach strategies within their memberships.
6) Obtain government support: The vertical or hierarchical support of elected
development of a disaster preparedness plan without the leadership and
resources provided by the local government would otherwise be a fruitless
endeavor.
7) Establish communication channels: The decisions, work plans and
recommendations of the Coordinating Group should be shared with
48 | Managing Disaster Risks At Coastal Tourism Destinations