The application of intelligence analysis in tourism security management

This paper examines the role of intelligence analysis in the security management of tourism as an instrument that contributes to early risk detection, preventive action, and crisis response. The theoretical framework aims to integrate concepts of tourism security, security management, and intelligence analysis, while the methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches with illustrative case studies. Particular emphasis is placed on the intelligence cycle, data triangulation, and analytic assessment as mechanisms for reducing uncertainty and increasing decision reliability. Using evidence from effective-practice cases, most notably the coordinated response of Barcelona’s tourism sector to the 2017 terrorist attack, the paper demonstrates that integrating intelligence analysis into managerial processes enables faster, more coordinated action, protects visitors, and helps safeguard destination reputation. The study also identifies persistent challenges: institutional and regulatory constraints, data overload, cognitive biases, and the limits of expert forecasting. Mitigation measures are outlined through structured analytic techniques, alternative scenario development, and improved inter-institutional coordination. The paper concludes that intelligence analysis is an essential component of a proactive and holistic approach to tourism security, one that strengthens risk governance, supports crisis management, and helps maintain destination reputation and sustained visitor confidence.