An Exploratory Insight into the Impact of COVID-19 on the Travel and Tourism Sector: UK Evidence

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented uncertainty and fear to global economies. This study provides a detailed analysis of the impact of the pandemic on the sector. The study adopts a case study approach with content analysis to analyse the impact of the pandemic on the T&T sector in the UK. The primary aim is to identify case studies that provide detailed and accessible information to undertake an in-depth analysis to understand the impact of the pandemic and the firms’ responses to the pandemic. Next, based on the analysis, the study proposes five key recommendations focusing on employee and customer well-being, technology infrastructure, sustainability, communication, and disaster planning for the sustainability of the sector. The authors argue that the study will provide practitioners and researchers a detailed analysis of the implications of the pandemic for future trends in the UK travel and tourism sector. It is vital for the sector to remain optimistic and embrace the challenges that the pandemic has brought on. Resilience and an emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism would help the sector make a quick recovery.

Keywords: COVID-19, travel and tourism sector, pandemic

JEL Classification: G3, H12, I19, L8