Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access

Abstract

Impact of COVID-19 on Tour Operating Firms in Ethiopia: The Case of Addis Ababa

Mikir Adane Tareke* and Sheferaw Muleta Eyana

The Coronavirus pandemic leads crises significantly on tour operating firms. This study encounters impact of COVID-19 on tour operating firms in Ethiopia: The case of Addis Ababa. To achieving the study descriptive research design and mixed research approaches were used, both primary and secondary data collection method was also used. In order to success the objectives 217 respondents were taken by using Taro Yemane formula and analyzed by SPSS version 20. The reliability was analyzed by Cronbach’s alpha test and p>0.80 in all five dimension. Significance difference in heavily decreasing the number both foreign and domestic tourist received in 2020 compared from 2019 and from total respondents 138 were not receive any tourist. There is significance difference in number of employee in 2019 and 2020 p<.0001 and this leads psychological crises. Family disturbance and shocking were some social impacts resulted from COVID-19 impact. Immediate response level of firms was low on average criteria. Small number of tour operating firms changes their business. Digital marketing, domestic tour practice were not exercised by tour operating firms. Regarding with government measure small amount of loan were given as retention purpose only. Impact reduction mechanisms taken by governments in tour operating firms was low. Government must facilitates and converts heavily affected tour operators and their employees by providing loans and change into production processes and permits to rent tax free import cars. Tour operating firms would also practicing domestic tourists and develop digital marketing experiences were tips that recommend.

Published Date: 2023-04-04; Received Date: 2023-01-24