The socio-economic impacts of covid-19 on hoteliers in Nairobi

Abstract

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the world’s economy was shut down almost overnight . The pandemic has confronted the hospitality industry with an unprecedented challenge. This study aims at assessing the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on hoteliers in Nairobi. For this study, the selected data collection method is use of questionnaires and interviews to my target population that are high star rated hoteliers in Nairobi. In order to fully deliver this information, random sampling is the most effective research design. The sample size selected for this study is a group of 250 individuals randomly selected from different hotels and encouraged to fill in the questionnaire as required and some were met for interviews where the method was applicable upholding all the new normal measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Data analysis will be done by use of mean or average, where all findings are added together and divided by the number of subjects present for the study. The significance of this study is to shade light on the diverse effects of the pandemic on different groups of people but more importantly hoteliers. This is because the hospitality and tourism industry was the hardest hit. At the end of the study, one will be able to know the effects of the pandemic and how they can be curbed or handled for better living. The findings of this study clearly displayed the impacts of the COVID-19 on hoteliers to have affected the national economy at large in two broad ways, that is: the employment rate and the effective labour force. Also, the hoteliers in Nairobi have also face tremendous negative effects from the pandemic. Therefore, the researcher recommended re-opening the economy whilst advocating for the observation of the new normal measures and sensitizing hoteliers on matters concerning the disease all round. To ensure socioeconomic recovery within a reasonable period, the government should put in place plans and resources that do not continue to weigh disproportionally on people in the hotel and tourism industry. Since most hoteliers are living below or just above the poverty line, reduced earnings from sluggish economic activities and job losses as a result of confinement measures by the government have to be balanced against consideration of the daily needs of hoteliers as representatives of the vulnerable, as well as now-looming food insecurity across the country.