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Tourism expert gives tips on crisis recovery

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Words
Brigid Veale
Published
7 April 2006
A leading expert in the field of tourism crisis and recovery will be the guest speaker at Southern Cross University's Tweed Gold Coast campus on Monday, April 10.

Dr David Beirman, who has worked in the travel industry for 25 years, has been involved in post-tsunami tourism recovery, as well as recovery programs for Israel, Kenya and NSW. He is frequently consulted about the management of a wide range of crises including war, acts of terrorism, epidemics, natural disasters and crime waves which impact on global and Australian tourism.

Dr Beirman is the founder and inaugural chairman of the Eastern Mediterranean Tourism Association and the author of "Restoring Tourism Destinations in Crisis".

He has been invited to give the guest lecture for SCU's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management postgraduate students, members of the public and Tweed Gold Coast tourism industry.

Head of School Associate Professor Ngaire Douglas said events such as Cyclone Larry in north Queensland highlighted the need for Australian tourism operators to constantly plan for crisis situations.

"We need to ensure we have the correct risk management procedures in place to handle a range of events, from natural disasters to terrorism or health epidemics," Professor Douglas said.

"It is particularly important in this region, which relies so heavily on tourism, that the tourism industry, government and community work together.

"Dr Beirman will provide an excellent insight into the impact of crises on tourism and the subsequent challenges faced by industry."

The talk will be held in the Harvard Room, SCU Tweed Gold Coast campus, Brett Street, at 10am on Monday, April 10. Bookings can be made by phoning Renee Valk on 07 55069342.