“Double-edged sword”: the effect of cultural distance on post-disaster tourism destination recovery

Abstract

Purpose Some researchers have found that disasters may have a “blessing in disguise effect” that some disaster sites transformed into more popular tourism destinations; however, no studies have analyzed the heterogeneity of the “blessing in disguise effect”. This paper aims to explore and determine the effect of cultural distance on international inbound tourist arrivals to a post-disaster tourist destination that could explain this heterogeneous phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach This study used a threshold regression model and a differences-in-differences (DID) approach to analyze 2000–2016 international tourist arrival data from 13 main origin countries to Sichuan Province before and after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China. Findings The effect of cultural distance on post-disaster inbound arrivals from the various origin countries followed a non-linear U-shaped “double-edged sword” pattern rather than displaying a simple linear relationship. Most notably, the disaster appeared to have a more positive effect on arrivals from countries with larger cultural distances, while the effect on arrivals from countries with shorter cultural distances was negative. Originality/value This study found that cultural distance could explain the heterogeneous “blessing in disguise” phenomenon, and it had both positive and negative impacts on tourism destination recovery; that is, a definite “double-edged sword effect” of cultural distance was found, which could help destination marketing organizations and management departments to design appropriately targeted marketing for post-disaster tourism destination recovery.

The effect of COVID-19 perceptions on tourists’ attitudes, safety perceptions and destination images: moderating role of information sharing

“…In this research, information sharing was found to influence destination image development in the initial and final stages of the moderating effect on destination image. First, in the initial stage, following the increasing reliance on social media in destination sharing, sharing information about experiences, attitudes, evaluations and suggestions on Facebook, weblogs or virtual communities has become a new way to help visitors become familiar with the current situations of destinations (Huang et al , 2022). As Sigala (2011) asserted, in special situations, network information sharing of crisis-related stages and communication can mobilize various visitors to take action and contribute to the effectiveness of crisis management.…”

“…First, information sharing on the flu epidemic and influenza prevention experience in Taiwan is viewed as a model of best practice (Wang et al , 2021) by industry managers. Specifically, managers should communicate and share risk prevention information with employees because these tactics are both helpful during crisis events in reassuring tourists (Huang et al , 2022; Liu et al , 2021).…”

“…Third, although the current study entailed a comprehensive literature review to develop the measurement items, not all of the dimensions were included in the crisis impact measurements. Future research should consider a wider range of psychological factors of tourists or consumers (Huang et al , 2022), such as travel intention, family considerations, stress, satisfaction and psychological conditions, to develop an all-inclusive measurement scale. Finally, development of a measure for destination image offers a platform for deeper research on the new topic of crisis and risk management for destination evaluation.…”

“…2.2 Relationship among critical attributes of crisis management Pforr and Hosie (2008) asserted that effective crisis management characteristics are derived from the three critical attributes of information and communication, effectiveness culture and human resources (HR). Chaos theory emphasizes that stable systems are "at the edge of chaos"; a seemingly insignificant event may be sufficient to trigger instability and to modify organizational routines such that a management system of integrity and consistency might appear to be threatened (Huang et al, 2022). Under chaos theory, during an unexpected epic disaster, new technology enhances the effectiveness of information delivery during lockdowns and government restrictions and communication with citizens regarding how to react to the evolution of COVID-19 (Aldao et al, 2021).…”

Post-disaster tourism development and scenario planning for the quality of life of residents

“…It may take a long time for the tourism industry to return to the predisaster level (Li et al , 2021). The speed of tourism destination recovery depends on the scale and type of disaster, form of tourism and segmented market (Huang et al , 2022). Buultjens et al (2016) suggested that the resilience of the tourism industry is a rather complex process related to sociopolitical equality, economic welfare and environmental improvement.…”