The Need to be Prepared:Disaster Management in the Hospitality Industry

Abstract

Although, hospitality firms face serious threats from disasters, few of these firms have engaged in planning for effective disaster management. Such planning entails both proactive and reactive planning so that the firm is able to take actions to minimize risk and damage prior to and during the disaster event and is then also able to resume operations as efficiently and effectively as possible following the event. Effective management planning incorporates internal input from the firms' most valuable asset, its employees, and external input from a variety of stakeholders in the community. Effective disaster management for hospitality firms entails the development of partnerships between the firm and external partners, such as government and non-governmental agencies, suppliers, and the media. However, the best of plans will not lead to effective disaster management if the plan is not correctly implemented by the firm's employees. The importance of employee involvement in the planning process and of the need for regular training of employees at all levels cannot be over- emphasized. Another critical factor in disaster management is the maintenance of communications. How communication channels might be maintained during a disaster when it is likely that most communication systems will be disrupted is a key consideration for disaster management planning. Other key factors that should be considered by hospitality firms in the development of their disaster management planning are identified and discussed. All hospitality firms, regardless of their size, are encouraged to prioritize the need for strategic and operational disaster management planning.