A crisis can take many different forms, so your planning process should be based upon realistic
worst-case scenarios. Audit current resources available to deal with a crisis. Designate roles and
responsibilities and establish a chain of command for decision-making. Collect and maintain a current
list of key contacts. Involve public services and private tourism companies in the planning process -
one key to effective communication management is a cooperative working relationship between
agencies and organizations. Test your plans, procedures and personnel through exercises held
74 Tourism Risk Management – An Authoritative Guide to Managing Crises in Tourism
annually as a minimum, and then review and amend your plans and training programs subsequent to
each exercise and after any activation of the plans.