Response capability and Preparedness to Disaster Risk Management for Travel & Tourism Sector in UAE

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates government seeks to have a long-term emergency and strategic plans in preparedness for unexpected natural disaster events. These events may lead to unpredictable risks that require intensive operation management approaches and procedures. The purpose of this research is to assess the response capability and preparedness, and find out best practices of natural disaster risk management solution for this issue faced by Travel & Tourism Sector through addressing the question of how to mitigate the impact of Natural disaster events and risk management for Travel & Tourism sector in the UAE and what are the best protective practices toward preparedness for risk and emergency responses. The empirical research was conducted based on academic literature reviews and theoretical background relevant to the tourism sector preparedness for natural disasters. Primary data was collected through a survey of 300 samples. The study resulted that implication of risk management strategies in tourism sector contributes to mitigate impacts of natural disaster, protect the life of residents and tourists, warning system, forecasting, risk assessment, emergency plan, and community engagement are the most effective approaches for preparedness to control potential risks of natural disaster in travel and tourism sector.