Abstract

The considerable susceptibility and vulnerability of the tourism and hospitality industry during crises and disasters, highlights the imperative importance of sufficient crisis management. Because each destination and enterprise has its own needs, capabilities and characteristics and whilst most tourism companies are family owned, the sectoral crisis and disaster management faces several challenges. As time passes by, crises and disasters increase exponentially due to the multiplication of numerous aspects, for instance due to climate change, the severe weather phenomena increase, whilst the depletion of natural resources multiplies social unrest and conflicts for their possession and exploitation. Therefore, a further focus on potential crises and disasters is more necessary than ever. This book chapter provides a holistic approach in tourism and hospitality risk and disaster management, and focuses on the managerial aspects the industry faces during crises and disasters. It also provides a brief analysis of the literature in terms of crisis categorizations, its tourism effects and risk management processes, further highlighting the research importance for tourism and hospitality industry concerning crises and disasters.