Enhancing property resilience to flood: Lessons learned from the recovery of flooded hospitality premises

Flood is one of the main climate-related challenges of this age and to mitigate and adapt to some of its impacts; the importance of learning from the past cannot be overemphasised. Some studies have been conducted on business recovery; but further understanding is needed on how to ensure the resilience of the business premises. This study is a cross-case analysis of the recovery process of three hospitality business organisations. The study involved 9 interviews with key management officials and key actors in the preparatory and recovery process. The interviews focused on the capabilities deployed pre-, during- and post-flood events. The themes that emerged were classified under appropriate headings and discussed concerning disaster phases and the built environment. One of the key findings of the study is the importance of a dynamic approach to stakeholder identification and management for a speedy recovery in a flood risk area. It is important to note that the appropriate accumulation and utilisation of existing knowledge is germane. Indeed, the submissions based on the first-hand experience of the respondents in this study will be very useful for business and property owners.