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Paper short abstract

Tourists' risk perceptions in multiple risk-prone destinations in Japan strongly influence their behavior during emergencies. This paper examines the risk perceptions of both inbound and domestic tourists in Kagoshima City, with a focus on the actions and responses of local stakeholders.

Paper long abstract

In risk-prone tourist destinations, tourists’ perceptions of risk play a crucial role in shaping their behavior during emergency situations. In Japan, regions as Kagoshima City, where natural risks and hazards pose recurring threats, understanding how both inbound and domestic tourists perceive and respond to risk is essential for effective tourism management. This paper examines tourists’ risk perceptions in Kagoshima City, with a particular focus on risk-seeking behavior and individual disaster preparedness during visits. It further explores the role of local stakeholders in shaping these perceptions and guiding tourists’ actions in emergency situations.

Kagoshima City was selected as a case study due to its exposure to multiple risks, most notably the active volcano Sakurajima, which simultaneously represents a major tourist attraction. The coexistence of attraction and hazard adds complexity to tourists’ risk perceptions, as visitors are often drawn to Sakurajima despite its inherent dangers.

Fieldwork was conducted during the summer of 2024, encompassing the Hyūganada Earthquake and the subsequent Nankai Trough Megaquake advisory period. This provided a unique opportunity to observe tourist and stakeholder responses during a time of heightened seismic concern, following official warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, observations, and interviews with local stakeholders, including tourism operators, emergency response personnel, and municipal authorities. This approach enabled a comprehensive analysis of tourist behavior under varying levels of perceived risk and of stakeholder risk communication practices directed at the tourism sector.

The findings reveal both similarities and differences in risk perception between inbound and domestic tourists, as well as gaps in existing risk communication strategies during critical periods. Tourists’ risk perception were found to be strongly shaped by the availability, clarity, and credibility of information provided by local stakeholders. Language barriers, both oral and written, emerged as a key factor influencing tourists’ understanding of potential hazards and appropriate responses. The paper discusses implications for tourism management and crisis communication in Japan, offering recommendations to enhance tourist risk perception and safety while maintaining the destination’s image as a safe place to visit. Initial lessons learned and post-megaquake advisory measures are also presented.