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188 electronic promotion source
monitors all training institutions in the tourism
sector; and the Tourism Development Authority.
The private tourism sector is represented by the
Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers and its
four units, the Chamber of Hotel Establishments,
Travel Agencies, Tourist Establishments and Handicraft
Industries. In the various tourism governing
bodies, regional organisations for promotion have
been created since 1957 and have been operational
ever since. Their impact upon the tourism sector
have been practically negligible, although few are
relatively more active than others. These all suggest
that the tourism institutional setting in Egypt
should be re-examined in order to provide for the
necessary changes in organisation, staffing motivation,
operational rules and monitoring its impact
upon tourism.
SALAH E.A. WAHAB, EGYPT
electronic promotion source
Electronic sources information includes information
technologies �hardware, software, netware)
which tourism organisations use to publicise and
distribute their products to consumers and intermediaries.
Examples of such media are the
Internet, CD-ROMs, kiosks and interactive television
for consumers, as well as computer
reservation systems �CRS) and global distribution
systems for intermediaries. They are
increasingly replacing conventional marketing
methods by facilitating interactive communication
and better market segmentation.
DIMITRIOS BUHALIS, UK
emergency management
A growing concern in the tourism industry is the
risk of major disasters. However, the industry has
been slow to adopt emergency management
programmes to prevent or at least to minimise
the impact of disasters on lives and property, as
well as to respond to and recover from disasters.
Managing environmental hazards is often in
conflict with economic development interests,
and typically requires limitations on the use of
private property. Tourism leaders frequently oppose
land-use regulations, building codes and
other programmes aimed at reducing the level of
risk.
Tourism and hospitality firms often ignore
environmental hazards and may even make them
worse. Resorts are frequently located so close to
coastlines, mountains, rivers and other scenic
features that there is increased risk from hurricanes
or typhoons, flooding, landslides and avalanches,
snow storms, wildfire and other natural hazards.
Poor construction and maintenance increase the
risks of fire, structural collapse and damage from
wind and flood. Inadequate safety training for
staff and insufficient medical resources to handle
major emergencies also increase the risk to
tourists and residents. Resort areas are particularly
vulnerable because tourists are generally illprepared
for emergencies and unfamiliar with
proper safety precautions. Communities may be
prepared to respond to emergencies involving their
own residents, but unprepared to manage disasters
involving hundreds or thousands of tourists. They
are also susceptible to food poisoning �see foodborne
illness), contagious diseases and transportation
accidents.
Recent disasters and near disasters involving
cruise ships are encouraging countries to increase
safety regulation, including closer monitoring of
food service facilities, lifeboat and other safety
training, the qualifications and numbers of onboard
medical personnel, and crew qualifications
on vessels of foreign registry. Elderly tourists in
particular may be at significantly higher health
risk and require more medical care than may be
readily available on board. The UN-sponsored
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction
effort in the 1990s is encouraging governments
to address known environmental hazards and to
provide technical assistance and financial support
to developing nations. Tourism facilities are a
particular concern in that effort.
See also: risk analysis
Further reading
Drabek, T. �1994) Disaster Evacuation and the Tourist
Industry, Boulder, CO: Institute of Behavioural