COVID-19 two years on: a review of COVID-19-related empirical research in major tourism and hospitality journals

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to provide a timely review of the COVID-19-related empirical research published in 19 quartile one (Q1) and quartile two (Q2) tourism and hospitality journals in social science citation index (SSCI). Design/methodology/approach A total of 407 COVID-19-related empirical papers were collected from the 19 SSCI Q1 and Q2 tourism and hospitality journals via Scopus database. Thematic content analysis was supplemented with Leximancer software to identify the research themes/subthemes, research methods and countries/regions of research. Findings The study found studies of COVID-19’s impact on consumer behaviour predominate in number, followed by studies on response actions and recovery strategies, impact on industry or sectors and impact on workers and employees. Based on the research themes identified, a knowledge mapping framework was produced. Over 70% of the studies used quantitative methods with quantitative survey as the dominant method of data collection. The USA and China were found to be the most studied countries. Research limitations/implications The study reviewed empirical research papers until January 2022 and covered most of the COVID-19-related empirical works in the field. An overview of the current state of COVID-19-related empirical research was provided with some critical discussions and suggestions for future research topics. Originality/value The findings give researchers a clear index for the current state of the art of COVID-19 research in hospitality and tourism. The paper provides practical implications for industry practitioners to retrieve relevant knowledge from the recent COVID-19-related literature in tourism and hospitality in coping with practical challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.