Determining Factors of Tourism Resilience in the Face of Global Crises: Adaptability and Competitiveness

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of tourism resilience and recovery following global crises using a comparative cross-country approach. A composite Tourism Resilience Index (TRI) is constructed based on post-crisis recovery in tourism employment, tourism GDP and international arrivals, and its determinants are analyzed through descriptive, correlational and exploratory multivariate regression analysis. The results reveal significant heterogeneity in resilience trajectories across countries, indicating that income level alone does not explain recovery patterns. Institutional and structural factors, including the degree of economic liberalization and market composition, play a critical role in shaping post-crisis tourism performance. These findings contribute to the literature on tourism resilience by providing empirical evidence with policy implications for improving adaptive capacity in tourism-dependent economies. Furthermore, the results highlight the multidimensional nature of tourism resilience and provide evidence-based insights for the design of differentiated policy strategies aimed at strengthening the sector’s capacity to withstand future global crises.