Domestic Tourism: A Panacea for Global Disasters

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Domestic Tourism: A Panacea for Global Disasters

Sushma Rewal Chugh
Institute of Vocational (Tourism) Studies, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, India

Abstract: – Disasters and pandemics have from time immemorial wreaked havoc on tourism industry worldwide. Recently tourism has been badly affected by the impact of Corona virus and the worst hit would be international tourism industry. In the wake of the threat of corona virus looming large, international tourism is bound to fall back into oblivion due to uncertainties involved. Although this pandemic has spelt disaster for tourism industry globally, domestic tourism worldwide could emerge as a ray of hope in such grim scenario. This paper is an attempt to project domestic tourism as the way forward during crises or global pandemics.

Key words: Disasters, pandemics, domestic tourism, international tourism.

I. INTRODUCTION

World due to its dynamic nature is very diverse and complex and is witness to many disastrous events (Richardson, 1994). These disasters may be natural or manmade. Disaster events resulting from natural and human-made hazards are frequent occurrences throughout the world (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2006). Latest one such disaster to hit the world is COVID-19. This deadly pandemic has in many ways devastated the lives of people globally and wrecked havoc on humanity. As per Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Maslow, 1954), physiological needs are the most basic needs followed by the needs of safety and security. Tourism activities fall under higher order needs. Tourists would not want to climb up the ladder of hierarchy of needs if their lower and the most basic needs are compromised. Therefore the growing numbers of disasters and such unforeseen events/crises (Paraskevas et al., 2013) have an adverse impact on the tourism demand.

The disease had its origin from Wuhan, Hubei Province of central China. It first emerged in December, 2019. Chinese are the world’s top outbound travelers. Since tourism involves movement of people, tourism activities were considered as stimulating factors that had contributed to the spread of virus. The nature of the tourism products are such that these services cannot be brought to one’s door steps. A person willing to consume tourism services has to visit a particular location to avail these services (Lovelock & Wirtz, 2007). Many travelers, who travelled to and from China, became the carriers of this deadly virus, resulting in the spread of this disease all across the globe. Unfortunately even the most developed countries of the world are unable to deal with this virus or to find a cure. In these trying times when most of the countries have opted for ‘lock down’ or ‘social distancing’, economy worldwide is heading for the biggest recession of all times which is likely to last for many years to come. Tourism industry is the hardest hit industry during these tough times.

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