Safety and contingency management at mass tourism events: a documentary review of prevention, response, and institutional coordination in the ecuadorian context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/m58tx160Keywords:
mass tourism events, risk management, tourism safety, contingency plans, crisis managementAbstract
Safety and contingency management at mass tourism events is essential to protect attendees, maintain operational continuity, and strengthen host destinations’ response capacity. This study aimed to analyze scientific and technical evidence on prevention, preparedness, emergency response, and institutional coordination strategies, and to examine their relevance to Ecuador. A descriptive qualitative documentary review was conducted using academic publications and documents issued by specialized organizations. The information was organized through thematic synthesis across five dimensions: risk identification and assessment; prevention and preparedness; contingency and response; institutional coordination and governance; and risk communication and crisis management. Findings highlight the need to address health, behavioral, and environmental hazards; define organizational responsibilities; establish operational procedures; and coordinate event organizers, public authorities, and emergency services. They also show that the existence of contingency plans alone does not demonstrate effective response capability. The study concludes that planning should follow an all-hazards, participatory approach tailored to the event context. In Ecuador, field assessments and comparable operational records are still needed to evaluate implementation and effectiveness. This documentary review does not claim to provide original empirical evidence on the performance of specific Ecuadorian events.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Freddy Leonardo Garaicoa Fuentes, María José Vera Sinche, Tiffany Tamara Tuarez Zambrano, Briceyda Melanie Rodas Rodríguez, Jessenia Jahaira Pincay Zambrano, Carlos Olmedo Triana Rodríguez (Autor/a)
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