Review article
https://doi.org/10.17818/DIEM/2022/1.15
THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC CRISIS ON TOURISM. A QUALITATIVE SURVEY ON THE OPINIONS OF TOUR OPERATORS IN SICILY
Cecilia Martina Li Muli
; University of Palermo, Italy
Stefano De Cantis
orcid.org/0000-0002-5068-6421
; Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, Italy
Anna Maria Parroco
; University of Palermo, Italy
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has had direct effects on social relationships. Tourism activities are by definition linked to the interaction among human beings, beginning with a physical movement of a person from a habitually-frequented environment to one or more destinations. Any denial of mobility, therefore, negates the tourist experience. After briefly discussing the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the tourism system and hospitality, this work presents a qualitative survey by means of a thematic analysis approach. The study investigates tourism professionals operating in Sicily, across different tourism sectors and in various segments of the market (cultural, luxury, nautical, rural, and slow tourism). The operators were asked questions about their experiences of the pandemic, with its negative impact, and their expectations and prospects. The abilities to adapt to the new normal and build resilience are often related to offering sustainable products and services, which are characterized by a more robust relationship with the territory and local economy.
Keywords
COVID-19; Tourism; Hospitality
Hrčak ID:
271752
URI
Publication date:
1.2.2022.
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