Social disruption of the tourism and hospitality industries: implications for post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery

Chapman, Connor M.; DeMond Shondell, Miller Salley Geremy; Chapman, C. M.; Miller, D. S.; Salley, G.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how societal disruptions in the wake of disasters and crises also disrupt the tourism and hospitality industries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes a case-study approach. First, the literature on disasters/crises is reviewed;then three cases in which disasters impacted local, regional and global tourism and hospitality industries are examined: Hurricane Katrina, Arab Spring and the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThree principles are proposed to assist in mitigating the impacts of disaster on the tourist industry. These principles also serve as a means of potentially re-orienting and guiding the tourism and hospitality industries toward a sustainable and equitable future.Originality/valueIn addition to the three guiding principles offered in this paper;the examination of COVID-19 offers a novel case in which tourism is impacted globally by a singular disaster. Findings and implications from this case will guide recovery and, potentially, allow for a reconceptualization of the tourism and hospitality industries.