Lyme disease: Current issues, implications, and recommendations for tourism management

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Ecology
• Tourism Management

Background:

• Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by infected ticks.
• It is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States, with increasing global incidence and geographic spread.
• The implications of this public health crisis for tourism have been largely overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific literature on Lyme disease risk factors.
• To discuss the implications of Lyme disease for tourism supply and demand.
• To provide recommendations for tourism managers to mitigate risks and impacts on destination sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific studies on Lyme disease.
• Analysis of identified risk factors.
• Discussion of impacts on tourism management and destination sustainability.

Main Results:

• Lyme disease presents significant risks to tourists and tourism employees.
• Increased incidence and spread of Lyme disease can affect tourism demand and destination appeal.
• There is a need for proactive risk management strategies in tourism.

Conclusions:

• Tourism managers must address Lyme disease risks to protect visitors and employees.
• Implementing mitigation strategies is crucial for maintaining destination sustainability.
• Further research and collaboration are needed to manage the intersection of public health and tourism.