Value-engaged evaluation of a tourism-specific disaster management plan

Abstract

This research note provides an evaluation of tourism and Disaster Risk Reduction approaches within the context of Northland, New Zealand. A stakeholder-driven evaluation approach that explicitly recognised multiple values was undertaken to evaluate the policy implementation process, benefits perceived, and improvement potentials. A mixed approach of consultation and interviews provided qualitative data for the analysis. The results show that tourism-specific Visitor Action Plans increase disaster awareness and preparedness; however the extent depends on local leadership, ongoing communication and regular updates. Leadership is mainly provided by tourism stakeholders with a community-value orientation, and to a lesser extent by those who are mainly business-driven. Ongoing improvements in horizontal and vertical integrations, both within and between tourism and disaster management stakeholders, are critical for further policy developments.