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Travel and tourism study finds sharp drop in crisis recovery times
A global study has identified a sharp fall in travel and tourism recovery times following a crisis.
The research by the World Travel & Tourism Council and crisis management specialist Global Rescue showed average recovery times following a crisis dropped from 26 months in 2001 to just 10 months in 2018.
By looking at the impact of 90 crises during the period, at a national and city level, the study found that of the four crisis categories analysed, political instability proved the most challenging.
Political crises had average recovery times of 22.2 months, with a minimum of 10 months, while terrorist or security-related incidents have the shortest average recovery time of 11.5 months, or a minimum 2 months.
The study found the average recovery times for natural disasters and disease outbreaks were 16.2 months and 19.4 months respectively (minimum 1 and 10 months respectively).
Of the 90 crises analysed 32% were terrorism/security related, 13% were disease/outbreaks, 19% were political instability and 36% were natural disasters.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO, said: "This comprehensive research shows just how resilient the travel and tourism sector truly is.
"While there is still work to be done, the data shows that recovery times have fallen significantly over the past two decades, and that major strides have been made. It is crucial that we continue to learn from previous incidents and continue to come together through public private partnerships to make a real difference in reducing both the economic and human impact."
In the report, WTTC and Global Rescue share recommendations on how destinations can mitigate the impact of a crisis, showcasing successful examples from the likes of Kenya, Mexico, Egypt, Hawaii and Japan.
To view the full report, please visit www.wttc.org/crisisreadiness
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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