Effects of COVID-19 crisis on small and medium-sized hotel operators: insights from Nepal

Abstract

This paper reports on the challenges experienced by small and mediumsized hotel operators during the crisis caused by COVID-19. The data for the current study was collected from Nepal using semi-structured interviews with 15 operators between 13 July and 29 September 2020. The findings of this study reveal how a crisis such as COVID-19 pandemic increases the vulnerability of small and medium-sized hotel operators by weakening their economic conditions and lowering their self-esteem. This study also shows that the feeling of the lack of moral and economic supports from the government further increases vulnerability to failure among small and medium-sized hotel operators. Implications for policymakers and operators of small and medium-sized hotels, particularly in developing countries, have been provided.

We are in survival mode: how family-owned small foodservice firms in India responded to the Covid-19 pandemic

“…According to the narratives of participating entrepreneurs, the pandemic led them to the ethical dilemma of laying off employees amid the crisis. Our findings are somewhat similar to the results of previous studies (Marja nski and Sułkowski, 2021), but one unique feature of the Indian context is the continuing threat of private lenders taking over a business and its operating premises for non-payment of debts, which has not been observed in previous research (Madeira et al, 2021;Bressan et al, 2021;Basnyat and Sharma, 2021). This study's findings also indicate the lack of a formal crisis management system among small foodservice operators.…”

“…(2021), Bressan et al. (2021) and Basnyat and Sharma (2021). However, we also identified some context-specific barriers to recovery.…”

“…, 2021; Bressan et al. , 2021; Basnyat and Sharma, 2021). This study's findings also indicate the lack of a formal crisis management system among small foodservice operators.…”

“…Crises also bring psychological and emotional stress to small business operators (Bartik et al, 2020;Doern, 2021). The recovery of small business units can be inhibited by pessimism, doubts over the availability of credit, increased operating costs, personal and family well-being issues, reduced self-esteem, changes in business operations and logistical difficulties (Madeira et al, 2021;Bressan et al, 2021;Basnyat and Sharma, 2021).…”

Travel Motivation during COVID-19: A Case from Nepal

“…If the pandemic continues for a long time, it devastates the tourism supply chain, reduces significant revenue, and causes liquidity issues [5]. Ultimately, small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, tourism workers, and destinations are more vulnerable during pandemics [6]. Therefore, smooth tourist movement is necessary even in a crisis both for the travel industry and destination sustainability.…”