Resumen de The Year 2000 Computer Crisis: How the Tourism Industry May Be Affected and How it Can Help
Ginger Smith, Stuart A Umpleby, Alex Kobina Armoo
The Year 2000 computer crisis (Y2K) is likely to have a disruptive effect on many aspects of the economy, particularly the tourism industry. There is a wide range of forecasts of what will happen. Malfunctions could lead to shortages in food, potable water, and fuel, telecommunication failures, economic and financial slowdowns, and failures in national, regional, and local power grids. A number of national travel advisories have already warned citizens of potential disruptions. It is not possible to know exactly what will happen, but enough is known to persuade even the skeptical that preparation may be prudent. Travel and tourism are vulnerable to dramatic declines due to economic stagnation, civil disorders, health and environmental warnings, and terrorist attacks. Tourism will likely be affected by Y2K disruptions, although the industry can also be an essential part of recovery efforts. Hotels and cruise ships, for example, could serve as places of refuge, while tour buses could be used to transport people out of affected areas. Computerized reservation systems could be used as emergency central information and communication systems to locate and allocate health and security resources, accommodations, transportation, and other vital services to and within more sustainable locations.
