The Double‐Edged Role of Institutional Trust in Crisis Management: From Protective Mechanism to Risk Amplifier

ABSTRACT This study examines the dual role of institutional trust in shaping tourists' protective behaviors in foodborne risk contexts, focusing on Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Caribbean tourism destinations. The objective is to assess how trust in hospitality food providers influences risk appraisal, coping appraisal, and self‐protective behavioral intentions. The study population includes U.S. residents planning travel to CFP‐prone Caribbean destinations. Using a cross‐sectional online survey, data were collected from a sample of 600 respondents and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling grounded in Protection Motivation Theory. Results show that higher institutional trust reduces perceived vulnerability, self‐efficacy, and response efficacy, thereby weakening protective motivation. In contrast, greater awareness reduces misplaced trust and supports more informed decision‐making. These findings indicate that institutional trust can function both as a protective mechanism and as a risk amplifier when institutions have limited control over hazards such as CFP. The scientific contribution of this study lies in extending Protection Motivation Theory by incorporating institutional trust within hospitality supply‐chain contexts. The study proposes targeted risk communication strategies that balance trust with individual responsibility to enhance destination resilience and improve tourism crisis management and food safety practices.