The adaptive capacity of the tourism sector to volcanic eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Purpose Tourism is a vulnerable industry easily influenced by safety and security challenges such as violence, health issues and natural disasters. To quickly recover from negative impacts in the tourism sector, the industry must adapt to changes and cope with extreme conditions. In this regard, the purpose of this paper is to understand the factors influencing the tourism industry’s adaptive capacity to volcanic eruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Using binary logistic regression, a quantitative approach was used to answer the research question regarding the adaptive capacity against the eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a semiqualitative method was used to identify the tourism industry’s coping strategy in dealing with the eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings According to the research findings, the tourism industry was more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than by the eruption. In addition, various determinant factors have influenced the adaptive ability to the eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic, and this study offers successful strategies for improving adaptive capacity and enhancing resilience. Finally, this study indicates that to deal with current issues, multi-hazard risk assessments should be integrated with adaptive capacity hazard type elements to reduce future disaster risks and improve tourism business capacity. Originality/value The tourism industry is the most important economic pillar in developing countries. If disasters are not adequately understood, they have the potential to halt the tourism industry. However, no research has been conducted to examine the adaptive capacity of the tourism sector in disasters, especially in volcanic eruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic.