Regional tourism organisation the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Business Council Tourism Alliance has completed a two-day train-the-trainer workshop on tourism disaster risk management and crisis communication.

Communication, risk management and tourism officials from 11 SADC member States attended the training session, which was aimed at providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and communicate during crises, specifically in the tourism sector.

“This pilot project is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and prepared tourism industry in the SADC region.

“By equipping officials with the tools and strategies they need to effectively manage and communicate during crises, we can minimise the negative impacts of disasters on our tourism sector and ensure a faster recovery,” says SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance project lead Natalia Rosa.

The workshop covered a range of topics, including strategies for mitigating, preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters that affect the tourism sector in the SADC region.

The training session also covered communication strategies and modalities for disaster risk management in the tourism sector within the SADC region, as well as institutional coordination arrangements and the definition of roles in managing disaster risk communications in the tourism sector.

The two-day workshop follows the development of a regional tourism disaster risk management and crisis communications strategy.

Once approved, the training programme will be enhanced and rolled out across the region to localise the regional strategy, Rosa says.

“A proactive disaster risk management and crisis communication strategy is vital for the SADC region. Tourism is a significant economic pillar for many of our member States. This strategy and the accompanying training ensure we do not simply react to disasters, but actively work to anticipate risks, protect our industry and communicate effectively when crises occur.

“This pilot project represents a significant step towards a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector for our region," says SADC Secretariat tourism programme senior officer Moreri Mabote.