The Impact of the Global Pandemic on Selected Aspects of Sustainable Tourism in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Research background: The overall impact of coronavirus has some positives and negatives on the tourism sector and thus on other downstream sectors. The stagnation of tourism will make it easier for overcrowded tourist centers, which corresponds to the goals of sustainable tourism. On the other hand, negatives can be attributed to it. The Covid -19 epidemic caused the decline in business activities in tourism to almost zero, not only in the Czech Republic, but in the entire global area. If we consider with the intention that a large part of tourism enterprises is dependent on foreign clients, then the steps necessary to prevent the further spread of the epidemic were fatal for many enterprises and contribute to rising unemployment, reducing public budget revenues, etc. It is clear that the functioning of tourism will not return to pre-coronavirus and will be gradual. Businesses will need to adapt their services and find new ways to distribute them. Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is to map the effect of coronavirus on selected aspects of sustainable tourism in the Czech Republic. Methods: We used primary data obtained from controlled interviews with the operators of the monitored facilities and secondary data (EUROSTAT, CSO). Findings & Value added: The paper includes models of the impact of coronavirus in the field of tourism, focusing mainly on accommodation and catering establishments.

The Impacts of COVID-19 on the Visitor Attendance of Cultural and Natural Heritage: A Case Study of the South Moravian Region

“…This led to a decrease in income from business activities in the tourism industry (accommodation, catering, and entertainment activities) and contributed to the loss of jobs in the field of tourism, but also to a decrease in the income of public budgets. In some tourist destinations, foreign visitors were replaced by domestic ones during the COVID-19 period, but in some destinations (Prague, Český Krumlov, and Karlovy Vary), the decrease in foreign visitors was critical for tourism service operators [57]. Travel service providers could choose to fight against the effects of COVID-19 on tourism with an adaptation strategy, which consists of adapting the offer to the changed conditions, or choose a latent strategy and comply with the restrictions associated with COVID-19, which means the complete closure or partial restriction of operations [58].…”