Evaluation of the Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Tourism Sector and the Applied Strategies: A Research on Hotel Managers

Abstract

The main aim of this research is to evaluate the opinions of hotel managers regarding the macro-level effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and their micro-level expectations and suggestions for hotel companies. For this purpose, an online questionnaire, which was created in the form of eight open-ended questions, was sent electronically to hotel managers in different positions. 103 questionnaires that were answered were subjected to content analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the greatest effects of the epidemic on the tourism sector will be high income and employment loss. In addition, it has been determined that the hotel companies mostly take measures in line with the circulars issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and provided training to the employees about the epidemic. However, it was determined that some of the hotel enterprises did not have an alternative plan in case the outbreak spread. Again, it has been determined that businesses expect support from the state, especially tax reduction and short-time working allowance. Making marketing efforts to secure the country's image and to protection of the qualified labor force were the most frequently recommendations by hotel managers.