Finding Opportunities in Uncertain Times. The Case Study of a Tourist Guides Venture in the EU

Abstract

In times of uncertainty, new ideas, concepts and business solutions are born. The crisis caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a wide impact on the tourism sector, from small-scale to multinational companies. Based on an explanatory case study of a tourist guides venture, the paper seeks evidence on how conditions such as social capital, the use of information technologies and the application of new organizational solutions can support entrepreneurship at times of crisis. The paper provides insight into the functioning of Guides without Borders—a venture bringing together over 50 tourist guides. The research is based on the case study methodology supported by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Findings indicate that despite harsh times, social ties, trust and technology can leverage an organization. The research also confirms that the application of an innovative approach to the organizational structure and processes (in accordance with the concept of teal organizations) is beneficial at times of crisis. Thus, the organizational approach adapted by the studied organization can serve as an example for future tourist guides and other professionals’ undertakings in uncertain times.

Air Pollution and Its Potential Consequences for Tourism and Career Development from Students’ Perspective: A Case Study of the Gdańsk Agglomeration in Poland

“…According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in the first quarter of 2020, when the lockdown in most countries started, the intensity of international tourist arrivals declined by 22% on the global scale and by 19% in Europe [70]. Figure 4 with the narrowest yellow peak in comparison to the other ones proves that tourism was an especially affected sector in 2020, because of closed hotels, grounded planes and travel restriction on the global scale [71][72][73][74][75][76][77]. However, compared to previous years 2015-2018, a relatively high peak in 2020 results from almost only one possibility in traveling, which was domestic tourism, due to restrictions and difficulties in international travel.…”

“…planes and travel restriction on the global scale [71][72][73][74][75][76][77]. However, compared to previous years 2015-2018, a relatively high peak in 2020 results from almost only one possibility in traveling, which was domestic tourism, due to restrictions and difficulties in international travel.…”