Disaster collaboration in tourism: Motives, impediments and success factors

Abstract

The tourism industry is vulnerable to disasters due to its heavy dependence on natural resources. Despite growing studies on tourism disaster management, little research has been conducted from a stakeholder collaboration perspective, yet effective collaboration can improve recovery outcomes. This paper integrates stakeholder collaboration literature with a tourism disaster context – tourism threats from Cyclone Marcia in Queensland, Australia. This paper contributes to this gap by investigating (1) stakeholder's motivations for collaborative disaster management, (2) factors that facilitate or impede stakeholder collaboration-building, (3) successful elements and challenges for effective collaboration. Findings are drawn from in-depth interviews with key stakeholders that were directly involved in tourism disaster management. Motivations for collaboration-building are found to be resource and relationship related. Past experience and relationships can influence the development of collaboration after a disaster. Consistent communication and trust are two key elements of effective collaboration, while competing demands and poor relationships are key barriers. Findings from this research can help better understand stakeholder collaboration in tourism disaster management. Governments and tourism destinations can use these findings to develop interventions to improve effective tourism disaster management. Future research avenues based on the findings and a model are also outlined.