COVID-19 cripples global restaurant and hospitality industry. Issue 11 (3rd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dube, Kaitano; Nhamo, Godwell; Chikodzi, David
• Is Part Of: Current issues in tourism. Volume 24:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 1487
• Page End: 1490
• Publication Date: 2021-06-03
• Subjects: Hospitality industry -- COVID-19 -- restaurants -- tourism industry -- coronavirus; Tourism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Travel -- Periodicals; 338.479105
• DOI: 10.1080/13683500.2020.1773416
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-3500

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The restaurant and hospitality industries are crucial socio-economic sectors that contribute immensely to the global economy. However, these sectors are vulnerable and sensitive to natural hazards such as the COVID-19 pandemic and any resultant economic downturns. This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the global restaurant industry using data from OpenTable and other sources. The study found that sit-in guests dropped to zero in many countries as governments across the world instituted social distancing initiatives, movement restrictions and lockdowns. COVID-19 also led to an unprecedented loss of employment and revenue, resulting in millions of jobs and billions of dollars in potential revenue lost. The work recommends extra-ordinary financial and other support measures for the sector. It further recommends a raft of safety and health protocols as the industry gradually reopens.