Economic Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Hotel Business in Zimbabwe

Abstract

It is evident from literature that the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought the world economiesto its ‘knees’. No industry has gone untouched by the effects of this pandemic. Globally there has beenan adverse impact on travel which is backbone of the hotel industry. This study focuses on exploringthe impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on Zimbabwean hotel sector. The objectives of thestudy focused on investigating the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on hotel occupancy and revenue andproposing strategies that can be implemented for recovery post the pandemic. The study adopted amixed method approach, semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather data from 29 (3-5 star)
 hotel management across the various major tourism cities in Zimbabwe. Findings reveal that the Covid-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on hotel occupancy and revenue. Occupancy and revenue
 have dropped. Strategies have been employed by hotel to cope with the adverse impact of reducedoccupancy and revenue, these include working with minimal staff to avoid increases exposure, closingother parts of the hotel to reduce operational cost and operating on take out bases. It can be concludedthat hotels in Zimbabwe are not prepared for pandemics like Covid-19. It is therefore recommendedthat disaster management plans relating to pandemics be developed and implemented by hotels.

Post-pandemic recovery strategies of Coastal hotels: Durban, South Africa

“…The South African tourism expenditure decreased by R748 million in 2020 with projected job losses of 600 000 in direct and permanent positions (Sucheran, 2021). Outlets that generated additional revenue for a hotel, like restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores were closed indefinitely due to the restrictions, such as curfews and social distancing, as well as reducing labor and operational costs (Al-Fadly, 2020;Ncube et al, 2021). The income from room revenue was also impacted, especially when the hotel was not a quarantine site and restrictions only allowed restaurants to serve takeaways (Ncube et al, 2021).…”

“…Outlets that generated additional revenue for a hotel, like restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores were closed indefinitely due to the restrictions, such as curfews and social distancing, as well as reducing labor and operational costs (Al-Fadly, 2020;Ncube et al, 2021). The income from room revenue was also impacted, especially when the hotel was not a quarantine site and restrictions only allowed restaurants to serve takeaways (Ncube et al, 2021). In addition, hotels had the option to apply to be a quarantine premise, however, it was necessary to be cautious of subsequential stigma to the brand or reputation damage (Japutra & Situmorang, 2022).…”

“…The effects of the lockdowns and travel bans extended to all organizations and businesses related to tourism, including private, public, and non-government organizations; the trade restrictions affected both core and dependant industries within tourism and hospitality (Booyens et al, 2022). Hotels were forced to close during the lockdown and then restricted from operating at full capacity when allowed to reopen (Ncube et al, 2021). The stigma associated with hotels used as quarantine sites placed additional strain on hotels and employees (Japutra & Situmorang, 2022).…”

COVID-19, Politico-Economic Crises and the Precarity of Actors in the Tourism Industry in Kariba Resort Town, C 2000–2021

“…The literature on COVID-19 and tourism in Zimbabwe is growing and focuses on different important aspects (Chigora and Katsande, 2021; Makoni and Tichaawa, 2021; Matura, 2021; Ncube et al, 2021; Woyo, 2021). For example, Makoni and Tichaawa explore the impacts of COVID-19 on the informal sector businesses/ operations within the tourism industry.…”

“…Key issues they highlight are impacts on the supply of basic commodities and household income of the traders; and traders’ survival strategies during the course of the national lockdown and implications on the way forward (Makoni and Tichaawa, 2021). Other studies have focussed on measures taken, by different actors, to promote domestic tourism during and after the COVD-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe (Matura, 2021; Woyo 2021; see also Ncube et al, 2021). This is particularly important in situations where border closures block international tourism.…”