Final answer:
Policy formulation helps mitigate issues in tourism by crafting staff development programs and support for employee well-being, while planning fosters resilience against environmental and economic disasters through sustainable practices and economic diversification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major challenges for the tourism industry in the post-COVID era are notably linked to staffing and resilience to disasters. Policy formulation is vital for mitigating human resource issues. Primarily, policies can provide a framework for developing staff training programs tailored to meet changing tourist needs, which include leveraging local cultural knowledge and enhancing customer service skills. secondly, policies can lead to creating support structures for employees' mental health and well-being, which is crucial given the heightened risk levels within the industry.
In terms of disaster resilience, the planning process plays an essential role. to counter environmental disasters, such as those impacting the caribbean mentioned in the question comprehensive plans can integrate sustainable tourism practices reducing environmental impact. policies can also address economic disasters by fostering diversification of the local economy and promoting investments in infrastructure to ensure continuity of the tourism sector. this strategic approach is crucial since many island economies in places like Melanesia rely heavily on sustainable tourism.