Beyond the View: Disaster Risk Preparedness and Management of the Top Tourist Attractions in Tagaytay City, Cavite

Abstract

The current study evaluated the degree of disaster risk preparedness level of the managers from the top tourist spots in Tagaytay City, Cavite, where volcanic eruption, earthquake, typhoon and landslide disaster risk is prevalent. Descriptive research design was used where data were collected using survey questionnaires given to tourism establishment managers. Survey results showed that respondents had high awareness of disaster risks with the Grand Mean of 3.67 and good level of implementation of basic measures in terms of emergency plans, coordination and possible hazards that may endanger their business. Nonetheless, respondents indicated that there was lack in resource allocation and management, obtaining the lowest mean score of 2.8 and updating disaster preparedness plan, having Mean score of 2.4. Museums and parks, according to findings, were more disaster-ready as compared to other tourism establishments due to effective organizational policies and more experience in managing disasters due to their more contact with people. Based on findings, while the level of disaster risk awareness among tourism establishments in Tagaytay is high, there is still need to enhance resource management, staff readiness, monitor disaster risk preparedness and government intervention to ensure safety of tourists. Mandatory disaster risk drill can be recommended for all tourism establishments, along with strengthening partnership between government and private sector to implement capacity-building programs and tailor-made disaster management plan for different types of tourism businesses. For future research, it is highly recommended that a larger sample of tourism-related businesses will be surveyed to have comprehensive picture of disaster risk preparedness among the tourism industry.