Tourism Risk Management - Sustainable Tourism Online

safety equipment, evacuation procedures, environmental conditions; and
• insurance (requires safety compliance).
Resumption of tourism operation and business following high profile transport accidents is often
dependent on the extent of operator culpability and the effectiveness of subsequent public relations.
Crisis communications should be timely, express appropriate sympathy/empathy/sensitivity and be
based on the established facts. Where possible, the incident should be contextualized within a
broader history or record for safety and visitor satisfaction. There should also be adequate victim
and family support. Effective recovery usually requires a demonstrated ability to communicate and
address the safety concerns of prospective clientele.
(Source: ABC News, 2006; BBC News, 2006; and DFAT, 2006)
National Disaster Management Arrangements in Asia and the Pacific
National Disaster Management Councils exist in one form or another in most Asian and Pacific
nations where the past decade or so has seen a paradigm shift from relief and response activities to
a comprehensive disaster risk management framework. In general, disaster management and risk
reduction strategies are linked to national and international drivers including economic development
and poverty reduction strategies and the UN Millennium Development Goals.
National Disaster Management Councils (or equivalent agencies) provide advice to governments,
develop policies and strategic directions in disaster management, coordinate activities, and provide
frameworks within which plans can be developed and implemented. In general, disaster management
responsibilities are allocated to national, state/provincial, district and local governments. The main
responsibilities of the national governments are to develop and maintain relevant legislation, allocate
responsibilities, provide national security, stability and prosperity and to provide strategic directions.
The district and local level governments are normally tasked to provide services, amenities and
controls for the health and well-being of their communities.
The systems for disaster management in Asia follow similar general patterns but there is no
consistent model. However, the recent and widespread shift from response and relief to communitybased,
comprehensive disaster risk management programs includes a focus upon partnerships
between national and local governments and non-governmental organizations to promote risk
reduction and disaster preparedness. The requirements and input of tourism operators and
associations are consistent with this multi-focus, community-based approach to disaster and crisis
management.
Examples of national disaster management arrangements in Asia and the Pacific include:
• The Philippines’ National Disaster Coordinating Council which was established by Presidential
decree in 1978 as the highest policy-making body on disaster-related matters. There are also
regional and several levels of local coordinating councils.
• Viet Nam is subject to flood, typhoon and drought and these are being addressed through the
Second National Strategy for Disaster Mitigation and Management (2001–2010) which has
identified mitigation measures and principles and the key tasks of the National Committee for
Disaster Mitigation and Management.
• Thailand has a National Civil Defence Committee as well as plans for disaster management at
each level, with support from the national level. In October 2002 a new department of Disaster
Preparedness and Mitigation was established in the Ministry of Interior, consolidating
functions previously undertaken by several departments.
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