Crises in Tourism: Impacts and Lessons from European Destinations

In today’s interconnected world, the tourism sector is among the industries most susceptible to the ripple effects of global crises. From terrorism and political instability to the unpredictable nature of pandemics and natural disasters, destinations’ challenges are varied and profound. In this context, resilience is no longer a luxury but a necessity—a foundation upon which the future of tourism must be built.

In response to this pressing need, ETC has undertaken this research with the aim of equipping  National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and their partners with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of crisis management effectively.

Within this report, readers will uncover insights on:

• The various types of crises that have impacted the tourism sector in Europe in recent years.
• Key lessons drawn from past crises and examples of best practices from Europe and beyond.
• A practical guide for NNTOs on preparing for, managing, and learning from crises that may affect them.

Crisis Management Checklist for NTOs

The study is accompanied by a detailed Crisis Management Checklist designed to help national NTOs plan their response at every stage of a major crisis – preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience.