Hospitality Administration and Management Commons^™

Recovery, Leadership Efforts, And The Casino Industry In The Mississippi Gulf Coast Region After Hurricane Katrina, Ethan Jon Joella

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the following three interlocking areas of theory: a) casinos as economic engines; b) tourism recovery following a disaster or negative event; and, c) economic/social characteristics that facilitate recovery after disasters generally. This study examines the necessary ingredients for a speedy disaster recovery (typified in the casino industry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast).

This study employs a qualitative interview design with elite interviewing to test the theory and provide evidence and context to it. With interview questions informed by Rubin’s three elements that influence the recovery process within a community (Rubin as cited …