Expansion of the Hospitality Industry- Natural Disasters and Tourism- Part 1

Do you like this post?

In December 26, 2004, one of the most catastrophic calamities in history took the lives of thousands of people in different countries near the surrounding area of the Indian Ocean. The tsunami struck out from nowhere. Although there were many countries that were devastated, people from the coastal of India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand were hit the hardest. It was one of the deadliest disasters that hit the region and affected the lives of millions of people, both in good and in bad ways, all over the world. Many people lost loved ones and friends, families were displaced, businesses lost sources of income, livelihoods were destroyed, and economies were greatly affected. However, humanity showed its true color with an outpouring of support from different countries all over the world.

Tourism was one of the sectors of economy that was totally placed at a disadvantage. It was high season for tourism in these areas affected when the tsunami struck. Before the tsunami took place, countries in the South East Asia have been building their reputation as tourist destination spots. Countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, South India, and Maldives are all prime tourism hot spots. After the tsunami, Many advisories came out in different countries warning or prohibiting their citizens to go to tsunami affected areas. Income from tourism deeply fell. The natural disaster was not the only one that needed immediate attention but also the economic ramifications that go with it.

However, these did not deter the countries affected. With help from World Tourism Organization, action plans were drawn to facilitate the fast recovery of the most affected countries. Several micro-economic financing programs were implemented in order to help small businesses acquire additional capital to refinance their businesses.

The countries affected also took measures to ensure continued patronage from tourists all over the world. In Sri Lanka alone, 15 coastal tourist destinations were affected. Of its 242 hotels, 84 sustained some levels of damage. The government tried to expedite the rehabilitation of the tourism by tying up with organizations and giving concessions to hoteliers. Other measures to boost tourism was the creation of a new national park known as Horowpatana, the re-opening of Galle Fort, a yacht marina, and a project with Italy called “Io vado a Sri Lanka” initiated by John Keells Group where more than two hundred and seventy people consisting of the Italian media, tour operators, and retailers toured the island. The result was impressive and the tourism boost was successful in matter of months only. According to reports, more than seventy thousand tourists arrived on 2005 January and February, about twenty thousand less than those that arrived in the same months of 2004.

Tourism will continue to be a significant factor in the economic development of a country. Although natural disasters such as tsunami adversely affects tourism, in some way, it also facilitates heightened awareness as to the places affected. Looking into the bright side, after recovery and redevelopment, the places affected are also promoted.

Please Note: This is the “Part 9” in a series of articles focusing on the “Expansion of the Hospitality Industry”. The next Expansion of the Hospitality Industry will discuss other countries affected by natural disasters.

Image Credit Flickr.com

Popularity: 2% [?]

Currently 0 comment - But what do you think?