Action framework for tourism crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in Europe

Action framework for tourism crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in Europe

The UN Tourism Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) Initiative is a strategic effort to enhance crisis preparedness, response, and recovery in tourism across the European region. Developed by UN Tourism, and initiatited by Czechia, the project aims to support Member States in strengthening their crisis management capabilities through knowledge-sharing, regional cooperation, and policy alignment.

Europe's tourism sector is increasingly exposed to natural disasters (flooding, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, heatwaves), health emergencies (disease outbreaks) and, security threats (political unrest, terrorism, crime, cybersecurity incidents), all of which can disrupt economies, impact traveller safety, and affect destination reputation. SAFE-D addresses the gap through a dedicated regional framework for tourism crisis management, that addresses these challenges, by promoting collaboration, capacity-building, and the exchange of best practices to enhance tourism resilience.

SAFE-D will focus on knowledge-sharing through a structured series of three expert-led webinars, addressing the key phases of crisis management:

  1. Before Crisis: Strengthening Preparedness & Early-Warning à Risk assessment, early-warning systems, and crisis preparedness strategies.
  2. During Crisis: Ensuring Effective Response & Coordination à Real-time crisis management, emergency communication, and response coordination.
  3. After Crisis: Supporting Recovery & Long-Term Resilience à Rebuilding traveler confidence, post-crisis recovery planning, and resilience-building.

  • A SAFE-D Guidance Document, consolidating recommendations into a practical roadmap for European tourism crisis management.
  • Strengthened regional cooperation and knowledge exchange among Member States.
  • A foundation for future policy development and technical collaboration on tourism crisis resilience.

Through expert-led discussions, structured dialogue, and actionable outputs, SAFE-D will provide Member States with the tools to enhance their crisis preparedness and response mechanisms, ensuring that European tourism remains resilient and sustainable in an evolving risk landscape.

Webinars