The influence of social capital and tourism on post-disaster recovery: A review of global evidence

Tourism is a vital economic pillar, but is also highly vulnerable to disaster impacts. Social capital is one of the characteristics of both tourism and society and plays a crucial role in post-disaster recovery and resilience-building. However, research examining the influence of social capital and tourism on post-disaster recovery is sporadic yet emerging. A review was conducted to explore the research evidence and gaps identified in the literature between 2010 and 2023. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed, and after screening and prioritizing 267 published papers listed in Scopus and Science Direct between 2010 and 2023, a total of 100 publications were deemed eligible for full-text review. The review revealed mounting scholarly interest in assessing the influence of social capital and tourism in post-disaster recovery. Three types of social capital – bonding, bridging, and linking- were considered while evaluating the intersection between social capital, tourism, and post-disaster recovery. Research has established the positive role that social capital can play in post-disaster recovery, although this is contextual, and the importance can vary from case to case. Evidence suggests that there are interlinkages between social capital and tourism; however, there is a dearth of research specifically in a post-disaster setting.