| Status report. Crisis
is rarely presented in a way that provides updated information
for visitors. Many tourism businesses, not to mention regional
and national ministries, are reluctant to announce problems.
The consequence for not engaging the public in dialogue about
crisis and tourism is a diminished level of trust for official
sources. Said one colleague about a state tourism website that
was not updated, "if they are not telling the truth about
this, how can I trust anything they say?"
A vicious cycle ensues. Tourism officials deny
that visitors are interested in social, natural and political
realities. Visitors as well as migrants use official sources
less and less.
At the diplomatic level governments are quick
to alert citizens to possible problems, but they usually lag
in letting travelers know when conditions improve. One question
locals ask is why the travel advisories remain in effect so
long.
FEATURES
Defending the Visitors, aka Tourists
Stones
in the road
Media,
Environment and Tourism Conference
Security
Swine
Flu: Is it affecting your business or travel plans? (2009)
Reality
Tourism in Oaxaca (2007)
FLICKR
What
is the value of attention?
After
Katrina
after
wilma
ONLINE
FLICKR
WIKI
Crisis
Reflections on
a Cloud Made of Volcanic Ash
Toward
Effective Communication in Responsible Travel and Ecotourism
ONLINE
WIKI
QUOTABLE
En crisis puede dejar cosas positas en medio de un desastre.
(In a crisis, you might find some positive things in the middle
of a disaster.)
- Conversation in Oaxaca, 2006
SIDEBAR: GOOD ADVICE
During a visit, diplomatic officials advise that
travelers not participate in demonstrations. Should you encounter
a protest, avoid getting caught up by going in the opposite
direction.
QUESTIONS
How do municipalities, states and countries respond
to crisis in relation to tourism?
Where should travelers seek trusted information?
Are there examples of collaborative work toward
communicating crisis-related news for travelers?
How reliable are travel advisories?
What are some examples of tourism ministries advising travelers
of crisis-related news?
How do hotels and tour operators respond to
cancellations?
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