Abstract
This study explores the experiences of post-disaster recovery in the tourism and leisure sectors through evaluating recovery efforts over the period of 30 months. In September 2022, Fort Myers beach was impacted by a category 4 hurricane which caused significant loss of life and devastation to the community. As a community tied to leisure and tourism, navigating post-disaster recovery involves multiple processes which intersect at various points. The need for speedy economic recovery alongside physical and emotional recovery presents a challenge. There exists a tension between community rebuilding and economic recovery when the livelihoods of residents are tied to presenting a relaxing and safe location. Similarly, the need to incorporate resiliency can lead to loss of community identity which has the potential to impact future tourism to the area. This research evaluates the approaches taken to recovery within the community and the steps taken to restart economic recovery. The conclusions from this study provide insights aimed at planning for infrastructural and economic resiliency within tourism and leisure communities.
Presenters
Jacqueline SalmondInstructor II, Integrated Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Critical Issues in Tourism and Leisure Studies
KEYWORDS
Post-Disaster, Tourism, Leisure, Resiliency, Sustainability, Identity
