Safety and security play crucial roles in tourism, impacting tourists’ overall experience and satisfaction. The local community’s role in ensuring the safety and security of the destination has gained momentum over the years, both in academic and empirical research. The locally trained people are the best shield against destination emergencies, and they could create a harmonious environment, in turn, triggering the safety of the visitors and enhancing the quality of their experience. The present study aimed to explore the role of beach hostesses in ensuring the safety and security of tourists in beach destinations in India. The study attempted to examine beach hostesses’ engagement strategies and role (both evident and latent) in monitoring, safeguarding, and educating tourists to minimize potential risks and enhance the visitor experience.. The beach hostess and tourists were interviewed to explore the demand and supply side viewpoints on the destinations’ community-based safety and security measures in practice. The study’s findings show that community-centered safety measure can be promoted in other destinations, and the possibility of livelihood can be explored while promoting their multifaceted intervention. The study provides practical implications to help destination management organizations (DMOs) involve local community members in safety initiatives and enhance tourists’ safety and sound destination management.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003479673-25
Publish Year: 2024
