An Analysis of the Socio-Economic Measures for Preserving Employment in Hotels and Restaurants During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Bulgaria

Abstract

The number of unemployed persons in different sectors of the economy, including those at hotels and restaurants, has grown rapidly due to shrinking economic activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the state has introduced some measures to counteract negative consequences and ensure positive social effects for businesses. The aim of this research is to present implemented social measures and their effects on preserving employment in the sphere of hotel and restaurant activity in Bulgaria during the COVID-19 crisis. The research methods we employ are analysis and synthesis; content analysis; situational analysis; deduction; induction; comparative analysis, etc. The findings of the research present the nature and the progress of social measures adopted to preserve employment in the researched sectors since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Bulgaria, as well as the achieved results. They also outline the condition of employment in the hotel and the restaurant business in Bulgaria during the pandemic and the efficiency of applied mechanisms. Within this context, some opportunities for the further development of the researched economic sphere are presented.