BU research shapes UN disaster management strategy

Page published: 25 October 2011

Two of BU’s research centres to conduct research for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

BU’s International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research (ICTHR) and Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre (BUDMC) have been selected to undertake vital research into global disaster management for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The project, entitled ‘The Integration of Tourism into National Emergency Structures and Processes’, will involve BU experts providing governmental institutions concerned in emergency planning with practical guidance on the special needs and concerns of the travel and tourism sector during an emergency.

BUDMC provides world class training and technical assistance in disaster management to help reduce risks, build resilience and ensure rapid and sustainable recovery when disaster strikes. The Centre operates globally providing services to government ministries, industry, international agencies, emergency services, the military and non-governmental organisations.

Disaster Management is rapidly becoming a central feature of the 21st Century world in which we live and BUDMC has global experience in the field of delivering disaster management training and developing disaster management strategies. This expertise is combined with the international experience and reputation of ICTHR in the realm of tourism impacts and planning to place the School of Tourism firmly in the cutting edge.

Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre offers a range of intensive and highly interactive courses which are designed for the specific needs of tourism professionals and the tourism industry to meet the ever-increasing challenges of Disaster Management. They are delivered through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, discussion sessions and case studies.

All courses focus on the theory and practical applications of Disaster Management planning and cover natural disasters, human made disasters and complex emergencies. They provide a timely opportunity for tourism professionals to develop their understanding and strategies for integrating their organisation's plans and structures with those of the host country’s government agencies and emergency services.

Watch a short video by Richard Gordon MBE, Director BUDMC on the objectives of these courses below.