Tourism Resilience Research Articles

Travel in trouble: Examining travel resilience in pilgrimage tourism

This study develops a conceptual model demonstrating the impact of spiritual adherence on travel resilience in pilgrimage tourism. The study also investigated the role of religious leaders and stress-coping mindsets in helping pilgrims overcome stressful situations during their travels, leading to successful resilience strategies when the pilgrims return home. Data were collected from pilgrims who participated in pilgrimage during a crisis in Ethiopia, Africa. A two-step structural equation modeling procedure was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses, including a mediation and moderation-mediation path analysis. The study found that a stress-coping mindset partially mediates the role of spiritual adherence on resilience. Additionally, spiritual leadership strengthens the relationships (direct and indirect, through a stress-coping mindset) between spiritual adherence and resilience. The findings explained the role of spiritual adherence in the resilience of the pilgrims, along with the influence of a stress-coping mindset and spiritual leadership. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

How can communities better prepare for future disasters? Learning from the tourism community resilience model from Bali, Indonesia

PurposeThe impact of COVID-19 on tourism destinations has been severe, but a future crisis is never far away. How communities can better prepare for disasters to come in the near future continues to be researched. This research aims to understand the tourism community’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and present the Tourism Community Resilience Model as a useful instrument to help communities better respond to disasters in the future.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a qualitative research approach which seeks to understand phenomena, events, social activities, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and individual and group opinions that are dynamic in character in accordance with the situation in the field. Research primary data is in the form of Kuta Traditional Village local community responses in enduring the COVID-19 pandemic conducted between January and May 2022. These data were obtained through in-depth observations and interviews involving informants based on purposive sampling, including traditional community leaders, village officials, tourism actors (i.e. street vendors, tourist local guides, taxi drivers and art workers) and tourism community members. We selected the informants who are not only directly impacted by the pandemic, but also some of them have to survive during the pandemic because they do not have other job options. The results of previous research and government data concerning the pandemic and community resilience were needed as secondary data, which were obtained through a study of the literature. The data which had been obtained were further analysed based on the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) technique, which seeks to make meaning of something from the participants’ perspective and the researchers’ perspective as a result there occurs a cognition of a central position.FindingsBased on findings from Bali, Indonesia, this resilience model for the tourism community was created in response to the difficulties and fortitude shown by the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It comprises four key elements, namely the Local Wisdom Foundation, Resource Management, Government Contributions and External Community Support. These elements are all rooted in the concepts of niskala (spirituality) and sekala (real response); it is these elements that give the tourism community in the Kuta Traditional Village a unique approach, which can inspire other tourism destinations in other countries around the world.Research limitations/implicationsA tourism community resilience model based on local community responses has implications for the process of enriching academic research and community management practices in facing future crisis, particularly by involving local wisdom foundation.Practical implicationsA tourism community resilience model based on local community responses has implications for the process of enriching academic research and community management practices in facing future crisis, particularly by involving local wisdom foundation.Social implicationsThe existence of the resilience model strengthens local community social cohesion, which has been made stronger by the bonds of culture and shared faith in facing disaster. This social cohesion then stimulates the strength of sustainable and long-term community collaboration in the post-pandemic period. For tourism businesses, having strong connections with the local communities is an important condition to thrive.Originality/valueThe value of this research is the Tourism Resilience Community Model, which is a helpful tool to optimise and improve future strategies for dealing with disasters. Illustrated by this Balinese example, this paper emphasises the importance of adding social factors such as niskala and sekala to existing community resilience models. Addressing these local characteristics is the innovative aspect of this paper and will help inspire communities around the world to prepare for future disasters better and build more sustainable and resilient tourism destinations elsewhere.

Paradisiacal Lived Experiences of Tourists in Islas de Gigantes

This study explores the viewpoints and experiences of tourists at Islas de Gigantes, a captivating tourist destination located in the Philippines. This research aims to unravel the complex factors that influence tourists' perception of Gigantes as an authentic paradise, using a combination of interviews and observations. This study explores the underlying motives of tourists, their interactions with the local environment and community, and their overall level of contentment during their travels. Moreover, it carefully examines the complex relationship between tourism and the remarkable variety of biodiversity of plants and animals found on these islands. It places special importance on the long-term viability of activities like scallop harvesting and their compatibility with efforts to protect the environment and promote the welfare of local communities. This analysis examines the economic consequences of tourism for local communities, emphasizing the crucial role that tourism plays in promoting local economic growth while also acknowledging the possible disruptions that may occur. The study reveals intricate patterns and underlying patterns, enhancing our understanding of idyllic travel experiences. This research considerably contributes to the global discussion on paradisiacal locations by exposing these findings to a comparison analysis with previous literature. Additionally, it provides practical suggestions to individuals involved in the tourism industry, highlighting the significance of responsible and sustainable actions that protect the natural surroundings and conserve the local cultural heritage. Although acknowledging the inherent constraints of any research undertaking, this study provides guidance for future inquiries. This statement proposes potential areas for future research, including longitudinal studies and evaluations of climate resilience, with the aim of improving the sustainability and resilience of tourism in picturesque locations in an increasingly volatile world. This research offers valuable insights into the enticing appeal of Islas de Gigantes, as well as enhances our comprehension of how pleasant destinations can coexist harmoniously with the environment and local communities, serving as an exemplary model for responsible and sustainable tourism practices worldwide.

The boycott of Chinese outbound tourists: the influence of the conspiracy theory on human trafficking in Thailand

ABSTRACT Thailand is one of the most popular outbound destinations for Chinese tourists. However, the conspiracy theory about trafficking Chinese in Thailand has negatively affected the resilience of the Chinese outbound market after the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue of how beliefs in the conspiracy theory affect Chinese tourists’ intention to visit Thailand is investigated in this study. An online survey with a valid sample of 452 Chinese was conducted in July and August 2023. The measurement model and structural model were tested via WarpPLS 8.0. The results of this study indicate that beliefs in the conspiracy theory arouse Chinese tourists’ distrust towards Thailand and signify that tourism boycott is a form of negative political consumption. Furthermore, the respondents react differently to the conspiracy theory based on their age and past visit experience. This study highlights conspiracy beliefs as a psychological factor affecting tourist behaviour. It also suggests that relevant conspiracy theories overshadow tourism resilience in destinations.

Proses Adaptasi Komunitas Wisata untuk Mencapai Ketahanan di Kampung Wisata Rejowinangun Yogyakarta Selama Pandemi Covid-19

The social and economic aspects of Rejowinangun Tourism Village, which comprises five tourism clusters, were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study seeks to comprehend how the tourism community in Rejowinangun Tourism Village reacted to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the issues mentioned above. Conducting this research is crucial to identifying the determinants of tourism resilience in tourist villages amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs a qualitative descriptive methodology. The data collection procedure comprised a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and field observations. The tourism industry reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing human resource capacity-building initiatives, demonstrating adherence to health protocols, and implementing digitization innovations. In addition to the tourism village community comprising the community and the tourism cluster, the government plays a significant role in shaping the tourism community's resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heritage Tourism Resilience and Sustainable Performance Post COVID-19: Evidence from Hotels Sector

Heritage tourism in Egypt, differentiated by its distinctive ancient wonders and cultural prosperity, has faced numerous challenges through its history, with political unrest, economic fluctuations, and, most recently, the global COVID-19 pandemic. This research paper investigates the dynamic interplay between planned and adopted resilience within the hotel sector in Egyptian heritage sites and their consequential effects on both social and economic sustainability. A quantitative research method was employed to empirically explore these dynamics. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 550 top and middle managers in hotels located in heritage sites, capturing insights into their perspectives on planned and adopted resilience. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis utilizing “partial least squares structural equation modeling” (PLS-SEM), providing a robust foundation for drawing meaningful conclusions. Findings from the research underscore the necessity of aligning planned and adopted resilience to generate sustainable social and economic performance. The synthesis of planned and adopted resilience was revealed to be pivotal in generating sustainable social and economic performance for hotels. This synthesis catalyzes the hotels’ ability to mitigate uncertainties, adjust to changing environment, and ensure long-term viability. This research might contribute to the current literature by suggesting industry-specific awareness for the reciprocal relationship between planned and adopted resilience in the hotel businesses and their combined influence on both sides of sustainability (social and economic). The findings provide actionable recommendations for hotel management, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance resilience, foster social cohesion, and ensure the economic sustainability of heritage tourism in an everchanging environment.

Synthesizing qualitative insights: a meta-ethnography of tourism disaster management literature

Purpose Disasters can affect the important sector of tourism across the world. This study aims to combine qualitative findings from 13 publications to enhance disaster management plans for the security and resilience of the tourist industry. Design/methodology/approach The authors used Noblit and Hare’s seven-step meta-ethnography method, identifying 13 qualitative studies on tourism disaster management through extensive searches in key databases (WoS, Scopus and Google Scholar), meeting inclusion criteria. NVivo 12 aided in coding, translation and comprehension of related ideas. Findings Five interrelated and third-ordered conceptual categories were identified: extreme natural and malevolent events, lack of risk management and emerg+ency response, sustainable tourism, tourism resilience factors, disaster awareness and preparedness. Effective strategies demand collaboration, resource allocation and local engagement. Originality/value This study offers a novel synthesis of qualitative research in tourism disaster management, enhancing understanding of resilience in the industry. It provides unique insights on cross-cultural dynamics, stakeholder engagement and integrated strategies while showcasing the utility of meta-ethnography in business and management research.

On-off hybrid spiritual tourism in the new normal era

PurposeIn 2022, the new normal era began to experience an increase in the number of tourists visiting Bali. Even though spiritual tourism was optimistic in attracting foreign visitors, most tourists come from nearby nations like Australia, indicating that the visits had a brief duration in this new era. To sustain the income of spiritual tourism advocates, it is possible to overcome the brief visit. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the collaboration of digitalized spiritual tourism activities in 2022. Data were collected through literature study, observation and in-depth interviews to determine the spiritual tourism hybrid business. The result showed that the digitalization of spiritual tourism builds an on-off hybrid method in marketing and products, thus developing a theory of the characteristics. This on-off hybrid provides a touch of experience for tourists to visit directly. Therefore, digitalization builds the resilience of spiritual tourism in the new normal era through marketing and service of hybrid products.Design/methodology/approachThe gap between word-of-mouth marketing habits, direct product service and the tendency to digitize creates adaptation problems that take time. These problems make a practical contribution to building marketing and spiritual tourism products. The theoretical contribution is to build integrated marketing and spiritual tourism digital product concepts. A qualitative research method was adopted because the population of spiritual tourism is very limited. Therefore, it needs to be explored through experienced and knowledgeable informants. Literature study, observation and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The literature study technique collects data from written sources, namely books, articles and internet sources. Observations were made by analyzing non-participants by recording various marketing activities and services for spiritual tourism products. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with informants about digitalization in the new normal era.FindingsThe result showed that the digitalization of spiritual tourism builds an on-off hybrid method in marketing and products, thus developing a theory of the characteristics. This on-off hybrid provides a touch of experience for tourists to visit directly. Therefore, digitalization builds the resilience of spiritual tourism in the new normal era through marketing and service of hybrid products.Originality/valueThe method has successfully built digital and direct visit products. Digital products share knowledge, while direct visit products serve to gain hands-on experience. These products provide income for spiritual tourism actors. However, direct visit products are more emphasized to spread income, such as hotels, restaurants and souvenirs. This development provides a theoretical implication that the characteristics of tourism products can be enjoyed at the service provider’s premises and the area of origin of tourists with digital technology. Therefore, digitalization has changed the theory of the characteristics of tourism products from having to be enjoyed by service providers (Yoeti, 1991).

Assessment of tourism socio-ecological system resilience in arid areas: A case study of Xinjiang, China

Arid regions hold a prominent position as global tourist destination. However, their ecological fragility and sensitivity to economic and social factors make them more susceptible to various disruptive elements, thereby exacerbating the instability of the tourism socio-ecological system. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on tourism socio-ecological system resilience (TSESR) in arid regions. This study has developed a scientific and universally applicable assessment framework to evaluate TSESR in arid regions, considering the system's process mechanisms and dimensions. The framework encompasses four key domains: resistance, recovery, adaptation, and renewal, further divided into twelve criterion layers. This study conducted a case study in 14 prefecture-level units in Xinjiang, China, from 2010 to 2020. An improved TOPSIS model, Gini coefficient, Kernel density estimation, and Obstacle degree model were employed to investigate the levels, spatiotemporal variations, and obstacle factors of TSESR. The research findings indicate that during the study period, the resilience levels of the 14 prefecture-level cities exhibited an overall upward trend with fluctuations. There are notable spatial disparities, yet these disparities are diminishing. Furthermore, factors such as resource endowment, market potential, economic foundation, industrial environment, and human capital represented common obstacles, while unique regional impediments also existed. The TSESR assessment index system can scientifically and comprehensively evaluate resilience levels, offering an adaptive indicators framework for arid regions. It promotes the development of a resilient tourism socio-ecological system, thereby achieving sustainable tourism development.

Building Tourism Resilience through Communication

The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the tourism industry called attention to how crucial it is for tourism operations to be resilient, as their ability to overcome crises also impacts communities and adjacent industries. The communication theory of resilience argues that resilience is a dynamic capability that can be developed through communication processes. Exploring the role of communication processes in building resilience is important to establishing holistic strategies that strengthen the tourism industry. This work applies the communication theory of resilience to explore the employment of communication processes by agritourism operators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven agritourism operators in North Carolina, USA, were interviewed about resilience strategies at three points in time in 2020. These interviews revealed the value of communication processes in building resilience in agritourism operations and the facilitating role of communication technologies. These findings reveal that resilience is built collaboratively through social engagement and interaction.

World uncertainty and international tourist arrivals: does good governance make a difference?

ABSTRACT World uncertainty has been rising steadily over the past two decades. While uncertainty affects all sectors negatively, tourism is much more vulnerable to shocks. Therefore, it is critical to explain what kind of environment is necessary for tourism resilience against global shocks. To this end, this paper examines the relationship between world uncertainty, governance, and tourism using the panel data method. According to the findings, while world uncertainty affects tourism negatively, good governance contributes to tourism development. More importantly, good governance moderates the negative effect of world uncertainty on tourism.

Resilience dynamics and their determinants: the transition to coronavirus pandemic recovery

Purpose This study aims to introduce a dynamic perspective of tourism resilience by analyzing tourism demand in Spain during the 2020 and 2021 summers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study uses regression and Lasso-type methods to demonstrate a great explanatory capacity of past determinants to explain the tourism demand of the Spanish provinces. Findings Results show how the previous specialization of the domestic market, the density and the geographic location related to the type of product are behind the bulk of the territorial differences in demand resilience, although in 2021 there has been a process of adaptation to the new context. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of tourist behavior and tourism destination management by introducing the concept of resilience dynamics of destinations. Practical implications The results are useful, on the one hand, for tourist destinations to understand the different stages of recovery from a shock, and on the other hand, to go in deep in consumer behavior after a shock. Originality/value These findings represent a paradigm shift in the static conception of resilience in tourism.

Social Impacts of Post-Covid-19: Resilience and Recover of Tourism in Portugal

Social Impacts of Post-Covid-19: Resilience and Recover of Tourism in Portugal

Characterisation of Hungary's regional tourism and economic performance between 2004 and 2022 in the light of EU funding

The objective of the study is to show the regional differences in Hungary in terms of economic determination and tourism performance. The overdominance of Budapest can be identified in most socio-economic indicators. The consequence of the capital's "hydrocephalus" is that Hungary's peripheral regions have developed serious economic challenges, and reducing regional disparities in these areas is key. From a tourism perspective in particular, the capital's hydrocephalus is also an opportunity, as the spill-over effect can increase the popularity of other destinations in the country. The Balaton and Western Transdanubia regions are the main beneficiaries of this effect. In addition to the analysis of regional disparities, the study also looks at the impact on tourism of the crisis periods caused by the 2008 global economic crisis and the pandemic that unfolded in 2020-2021, which led to a historic low in the tourism sector, notably the pandemic, by analysing longer time series data. The balance between international and domestic tourism is key to the resilience of tourism to the crisis. Multi-directional tourism can reduce exposure to external factors and contribute to the stability of the tourism industry.

Tourism takes a hit: The devastating impact of terrorism on iconic destinations

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of terrorism on the tourism economy in 40 destinations and a total of 550 crises, based on the ranking of countries in terms of their economy and popularity. Methodology/Design/Approach – The study employed a quantitative research methodology using multiple linear regression analysis to examine the key predictors of the impact of terrorism on tourism employment growth and tourist arrivals. The analysis considered various relevant variables, including the perceived attractiveness of destinations, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. Findings – The findings confirm that the rankings of destinations as economically attractive and worth visiting plays an important role in determining tourist arrivals. Moreover, it was found that the type of tourism enterprises and tourists targeted by a destination can predict the growth of tourist arrivals after the crisis. Originality - This study enriches the existing literature by highlighting the importance of destination ranking for post-crisis tourism growth and stability. It offers valuable policy recommendations and highlights the need to increase the resilience of tourism businesses through improved crisis management and security measures. In addition, destinations that rank lower in economic terms or as “must-see” places should place greater importance on crisis management capabilities.

Spatio-temporal evolutionary analysis of ecological economic resilience in typical Chinese tourist cities

Abstract In recent years, China’s tourism sector has experienced rapid growth. Ecological economic resilience, a crucial metric for assessing urban comprehensive strength, has increasingly garnered attention from academics and governmental bodies. In this study, we assess the resilience of tourism cities’ ecological economies using 28 selected indicators. By employing the entropy value method, we establish the weights for these indicators, facilitating an exploration of their temporal evolution. Spatial evolution characteristics are examined through spatial autocorrelation analysis, incorporating the global Moran’s I index. Utilizing a coupled coordination model, we calculate the ecological, economic resilience, and urban tourism development levels across various cities. Our findings indicate a significant increase in ecological resilience, rising from 0.2129 in 2014 to 0.2807 in 2023. The Moran’s I index rises from the trough value of 0.0532 to the peak value of 0.0951 and then steadily declines to 0.0738, presenting a fluctuating trend of alternately increasing and decreasing development. The coupling coordination degree is more significant than 0.5 in 2023, which is at a highly developed stage. This study serves as a reference for the sustainable development of urban tourism.

Analysis of Tourism Resilience and Enhancement Path in Zhuhai

Analysis of Tourism Resilience and Enhancement Path in Zhuhai

Risk and Sustainable tourism resilience in the Post Economic Crisis and COVID-19 pandemic period

The study aims to explore the resilience and adaptation of the tourism sector during economic and health crises, with a focus on specific events and their impact. The main objective is to contribute with valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on crisis management and sustainable practices within the tourism industry. Thus, it presents the dynamics of the tourism sector's resilience and adaptability amidst challenges, spotlighting the repercussions of the 2008–2012 economic crisis and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Through a theoretical analysis of tourism risk, the research asserts the industry's susceptibility to exogenous hazards, emphasizing the multi-level risks spanning from individual businesses to the broader tourism landscape. The study shows the distinct characteristics that differentiate the 2008–2012 economic-financial crisis, highlighting globalization's intricate interdependencies, and the consequential impact on public finances. Amidst these challenges, the tourism sector faced a notable reduction in tourist numbers, nights spent in accommodations, and a fluctuating percentage of international tourists. However, a detailed examination reveals the industry's resilience strategies during the economic crisis, as tourists, while adjusting behaviour, continued to engage in travel with altered preferences, prompting the sector to adapt and survive. Shifting focus to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study unfolds a sector witnessing unprecedented challenges ranging from business closures and mass unemployment to financial losses. The global decrease in tourist arrivals echoes the profound impact of travel restrictions and the obligatory vaccination certificate. Analyzing the resilience of the tourism sector during the pandemic, the study explores the aftermath of decreased visitor numbers, a substantial hit to the sector's economic contribution, and the liquidation of numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. The article also sheds light on anti-crisis measures and strategies adopted during the pandemic, including EU funding initiatives and policy recommendations. Throughout, the study implicitly underlines the importance of adaptive strategies and policy interventions for sustained resilience in the tourism sector, providing valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers dealing with challenges imposed by economic and health crises.

Resilience in Tourism: A bibliometric analysis of trends and perspectives in research

This bibliometric study focuses on tourism resilience and its evolution through published research, highlighting the growing relevance of the theme in contexts of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Key authors in this field include Gössling S., Scott D., and Hall C.M., whose works like 'Pandemics, tourism and global change: a rapid assessment of COVID-19' and 'Pandemics, transformations and tourism: be careful what you wish for' from 2020, stand out in the corpus. These works reflect the urgency of adapting tourism to changing global realities and emphasize the importance of resilience in the sector. Published in renowned journals such as 'Journal of Sustainable Tourism' and 'Tourism Geographies', these studies provide in-depth analyses of the impacts and implications of COVID-19 on tourism, focusing on the need for resilient management strategies to face future crises. The research reveals the changing dynamics of tourism in times of crisis and underscores the importance of a proactive approach to strengthening resilience in tourist destinations.

A REVIEW OF DOMESTIC TOURISM RESILIENCE RESEARCH AGENDA IN AFRICA POST-COVID-19

Domestic tourism emerged as a recovery strategy post-COVID-19. This study sought to identify domestic tourism research agendas in Africa post-COVID-19. Following a document review methodology, data was collected via an electronic search of journal articles on the Web of Science and SCOPUS. A total of 42 articles were reviewed and analysed using thematic analysis. It was established that product development, marketing, resilience, sustainability and measurement of domestic tourism were the main research agendas. Domestic tourism emerged as a complement rather than a substitute for international tourism. The study sets the agenda for African domestic tourism resilience and sustainability research.