Tourism, Security and Safety From Theory to Practice

Concept Definitions
Crisis management team
Major crises require prompt remedial action.
Typically the impact of a crisis extends beyond a specific sector of the economy
and society. An integrated response will involve close collaboration between a
range of key stakeholders. In Fiji such collaboration occurred through the forma-
tion of the Tourism Action Group (TAG).
Recovery plan
Planning implies a longer-term perspective. Typically a crisis
demands an immediate response. The recovery plan should relate to an estab-
lished crisis management plan, but will involve a quick review of the particular
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Fiji Islands: Rebuilding Tourism in an Insecure World
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circumstances of the crisis that has arisen. As soon as the conditions are right (in the
case of the 2000 Fiji coup, “Ground Zero,” the release of all the hostages, marked
the first step), the plan will more immediately go into the implementation phase.
Coup d’état
Literally a “blow” or “strike” against the state. While tourists are
often untroubled by visiting destinations characterized by authoritarian regimes,
the type of instability that is often prompted by a coup may be a major deterrent.
Review Questions
1. To what extent did the different durations and contexts of the two crises (e.g.,
hostage taking) impact the capacity of Fiji’s destination authorities to rebuild inter-
national arrivals in the case of the post-1987 and post-2000 periods, respectively?
2. It is often observed that the process of globalization has increased in intensity. How
did Fiji’s relationship with the rest of the world influence the way in which the cri-
sis was reported and communicated during 1987 and 2000, respectively?
3. To what extent was there evidence that the tourism sector (both public and private)
learned from the experience of 1987 in handling the 2000 crisis?
4. After rebounding from the 2000 coup, Fiji has experienced a substantial growth of
tourism at the expense of competitors in Southeast Asia. How should such experience
inform future risk management strategies for remote destinations such as Fiji?
5. Summarize the role of the Internet in shaping the experience of the 2000 coup and
its aftermath in terms of tourism development.