Empirical Insights Into the Impact of COVID-19 on Employment Patterns in South Africa's Accommodation Sector

Abstract

The tourism sector in South Africa plays a crucial role in contributing significantly to economic growth and employment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unparalleled impact on the global tourism industry, exposing vulnerabilities and uncertainties. This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining the effects of the pandemic on employment within the accommodation sector in South Africa. Online surveys were conducted with managers using a quantitative research methodology. The findings reveal a significant decline in employment, salary reductions, and widespread redundancies. Notably, the study finds that more experienced establishments demonstrated resilience against job losses, and chain-owned establishments exhibited greater resilience in mitigating salary reductions. The study's implications extend to informing strategic measures for recovery, resilience, and long-term viability within the accommodation sector.