Class Crisis and Disaster Management

This course provides an integrated and strategic approach to understanding crisis and disaster planning and management in tourism and hospitality, in various geographical and socio-cultural contexts. To do this end, first, literature from a wide range of theoretical perspectives is synthesised, namely: natural hazards, geography, accidents and disasters, public relations in crisis contexts, communication and knowledge management. The aim is to integrate these often separate domains in order to develop understanding and generate knowledge in the field of tourism and hospitality. In this context, it is intended that students understand this complex area and improve their crisis and disaster management skills so that they can have a positive impact on the resilience of the tourism and hospitality industry.

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The context of crisis and disaster management in the tourism and hospitality sector Classification and understanding of crises and disasters Planning and strategic management of crises and disasters Crisis and disaster response and management in the tourism sector Responses to accidents and disasters in the hospitality sector Crisis management, crisis communication and the role of marketing and public relations The interaction of the main sectors and international collaboration in crisis management Long-term recovery and future issues and trends in crisis management

The course combines brief theoretical lectures with case studies, gamification elements (such as quizzes), and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions, designed to foster independent study, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving skills. PBL sessions play a central role and are integrated throughout most of the curriculum. Each week, the Professor provides a reading, which students use as the basis for collaboratively solving a problem presented in the following week. Prior to presenting the problem, the Professor administers a quiz to review key concepts and assess students’ understanding. The final project entails developing a case study informed by theory and best practices in crisis and disaster management within the tourism sector. Continuous assessment includes participation, submission of activities, quizzes, and an individual seminar, all of which serve as tools to reinforce and consolidate learning.

Maslin, M. (2021). Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Prideaux, B., & Beirman, D. (Eds.). (2024). Handbook on Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism (Research Handbooks in Tourism Series). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. Ritchie, B. W. (2009). Crisis and Disaster Management for Tourism. Bristol-Buffalo-Toronto: Channel View Publications. Ritchie, B. W., & Campiranon, K. (Eds.). (2015). Tourism crisis and disaster managemen in the Asia-Pacific. Oxfordshire: CABI.