Examining the Impact of Natural Disasters on Tourism in Highland Destinations: Insights from Shovi

The tourism industry is profoundly influenced by various external factors, including pandemics, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, economic crises, and climate change. Each of these factors presents unique challenges, necessitating tailored risk management strategies. This study investigates the impact of natural hazards on highland destinations, using the Shovi landslide that occurred in August 2023 in Georgia as a case study. Given the vulnerability of highland regions to natural disasters, a comprehensive analysis is essential. This research employs a triangulation methodology that combines a systematic literature review, statistical data analysis, and an online questionnaire to assess tourists' perceptions of safety and their behavioural responses following the landslide. Findings indicate that natural disasters have multidimensional impacts—financial, infrastructural, human, and environmental—significantly affecting the tourism industry. The study highlights the necessity of effective management and mitigation strategies to bolster tourism resilience in the region. By situating the Shovi landslide within the broader context of highland tourism, this research contributes to the academic discourse on disaster impacts and recovery. It identifies critical gaps in the literature and offers empirical evidence for developing crisis management frameworks tailored to highland destinations. This study aims to advance understanding of the interplay between natural disasters and tourism dynamics, providing a foundation for future scholarly inquiry in this field.