Tourism Industry to enhance disaster resiliency- A Half-Day Workshop on "Need for Disaster Preparedness in Tourism Industry"

With a view to bring the tourism sector stakeholders in disaster risk reduction process and raise disaster risk awareness in this sector by implementing various collaborative works together , a half-day workshop on  "Need for Disaster Preparedness in Tourism Industry" was organized on 31  July 2013 at Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu. The half-day workshop was jointly organized by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal-USA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NUSACCI), Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and National Society of Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET) with the support from USAID/OFDA and Tourism Industry Sector related Associations.

From the disaster risk management perspective, private sector entities have two-fold role in building resilience in their businesses and contributing as a part of corporate social responsibility in enhancing community resilience.Government of Nepal is engaged in the process of making tourism as well as whole the private sector disaster resilient through necessary regulations and instruments.

Speaking on the opening session of the half-day workshop, Mr. Narendra  Kumar Basnyat, President of Nepal-USA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NUSACCI),  in his inaugural speech appreciated the initiation taken by Tourism Industry for its active involvement towards disaster risk reduction of private sector especially the Tourism Industry Sector and also briefed that NUSACCI would extend its cooperation in every aspects of DRR and would like to work with Nepal government, NSET, NTB and Tourism Industry related association on various DRR activities.

This is the second workshop of this kind where more than 100 participants from Tourism Industry sector have actively participated and brainstormed on this theme.

‘The private sector must play an important role in disaster preparedness and I request you to pass on the knowledge gained in this workhop as much as possible’, stressed  his Excellency US Ambassador to Nepal Mr. Peter W. Bodde on his remarks while addressing the workshop. His Excellency highlighted on DRR support in Nepal and appreciated efforts of Nepal Government to mitigate adverse impacts of potential threat. He emphasized the significance of  "Promoting Public Private Partnership for Earthquake Risk Management (3PERM)" program supported by USAID/OFDA and being implemented by NSET in bringing the level of commitments and potential resources and leadership of private sector including the Tourism Industry to consider Earthquake/Disaster Risk Management as one of the priority areas for mainstreaming into the development process.

Mr. Amod Mani Dixit, Executive Director of NSET highlighted the role of private sector in earthquake risk management, and the need for the private sector to make their family and their business safer through the development and implementation of Business Continuity Plan. He pointed out the importance of the Tourism Industry  and its contribution to the national economy, and that is the reason why this industry should be safe against disaster. He hoped to be working with the sector in the days to come so that the Tourism Industry is well prepared and that all stakeholders in tourism business continue uninterrupted even after a large earthquake in Nepal.

Mr. Santa Subba, President of Himalayan Rescue Association in his remarks emphasized the need of disaster preparedness and related trainings to all level of professionals working in this sector. He further mentioned that realizing the need of a central point of coordination during disaster, HRA is ready to play the role of Emergency Resource Center in the time of disaster.

Mr. Subash Niroula, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) appreciated the initiation taken by Tourism Industry Stakeholders to come together to work towards DRR activities.  He mentioned that NTB is very happy to be part of this initiation and look forward to working with concerned stakeholders on Tourism sector DRR activities on partnership approach.

The opening session was followed by the session; Challenges and Way forward where Deputy Executive Director of NSET, Mr. Surya Narayan Shrestha presented briefly on earthquake risk of Nepal, impact of disaster in tourism sector and role of tourism sector in DRR.


Mr.Surya Bhakta Sangachhe, Project Manager 3PERM of NSET, then briefed on the fundamentals of Business Continuity Planning BCP and its need for emergencies. He highlighted on the seven steps to better prepare business for emergencies. Mr. Sangachhe stressed on the need for the Public private partnership for disaster risk reduction.

The floor was then opened for discussions. After the interactive sessions, a brainstorming session of SWOT analysis was carried out where the participants brainstormed on the strength, weakness, opportunities and threat of Tourism sector regarding Disaster Risk Reduction and the next steps to be taken.

The purpose of the SWOT analysis was partly to inform the participants about what can be done to prepare for an earthquake/disaster and partly to have them reflect on where they can improve towards achieving earthquake/disaster  safety and what their role and responsibility can be. Mr. Surya Narayan Shrestha, NSET  facilitated the analysis and briefly highlighted the outcome of SWOT analysis.

The half-day workshop ended with the closing remarks from Mr. Aditya Baral, Director of NTB. Mr. Baral expressed his commitments on behalf of Nepal Tourism Board to work in collaboration with other DRR stakeholders in order to enhance the disaster resiliency of the Tourism sector.

The workshop brought about a realization among the participants on the role of tourism industry in disaster risk reduction and the need of disaster recovery and Business Continuity Planning. It initiated a dialogue among various stakeholders of tourism industry which can enhance the earthquake/disaster awareness and can promote the private organizations to manage the risk as well.

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