Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry

Abstract

The tourism sector was the most negatively affected sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in areas that depend primarily on tourism, such as Petra, Jordan (World Tourism Organization [UNWTO], 2022). The researchers conducted a survey with the goal of measuring the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry in Petra. Data were collected from 484 residents of Petra to survey their views on the degree of the pandemic’s impact. The findings of the study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic increased unemployment in the region, decreased people’s ability to pay bills and buy essential items, and decreased average salaries. The results also showed that businesses decreased the number of their employees, they were expected to make less money, and more businesses were expecting not to make any revenue. There was a larger economic impact on the residential areas of Wadi Musa and Umm Sayhoun because these residential areas are majorly focused on the tourism industry.