Impact of Pandemic on Tourism and Service Industries & Recommendations towards New Normal: Insight from a Developing Country, India

Abstract

Research aims: The objective of the present study was to investigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on the livelihood of Hospitality and Salon sectors at a town at Himachal Pradesh, India. Research findings: Except for the hotels being used as quarantine facilities, the rest surveyed hotels suffered 100% losses during the lockdown and till consequent several unlocks. Amongst the salons surveyed, all of them experienced a 100% dip in their incomes and average guest occupancy during the lockdown.

Approach: The findings have been corroborated using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test by SPSS. Originality: There was no such study based on primary data conducted to understand the impact of COVID on livelihood at Paonta Sahib (gateway Himachal Pradesh).

Research limitation: Need of worldwide study and policy recommendation for future preparedness

Policy implications: A rudimentary review of the tourism sector suggests restructuring businesses and innovative business models may plausibly help effectively endure the crisis in new normal.