Challenges, experiences, and coping behaviors among SMEs in the adventure tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic: A case from Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges, experiences, and coping strategies among the SMEs involved in the adventure tourism sector in Pokhara, Nepal, after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a qualitative approach and conducted in-depth interviews with a total of 30 entrepreneurs and upper-level managers working in adventure tourism SMEs in Pokhara, Nepal. The researchers employed purposive and snowball sampling to select the interviewees. This study highlights the voices of managers working in SMEs involved in Nepal's adventure tourism industry and provides insight into their experiences, challenges, and coping strategies. The findings were used to build a conceptual model of the challenges, experiences, and coping strategies among adventure tourism SMEs operating in Pokhara, Nepal. Moreover, this study describes the experiences and reactions among the CEOs and upper-level managers of SMEs working in the adventure tourism sector. The findings provide important evidence for documenting unprecedented situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic and can be utilized to develop tourism policies and support systems for SMEs in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Managerial implicationsThis study identifies challenges stemming from the adverse economic impacts and explores coping mechanisms at individual and organizational levels after the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of Pokhara, Nepal. SMEs in adventure tourism rely heavily on adventure tourism and did not have enough resilience and recovery strategies. The strategies of identifying resources, increasing capabilities, and enhancing the network and cooperations were identified. It highlights the pivotal role of leadership and collaborative efforts among core stakeholders such as private associations, INGOs, and government sectors. Overall, it offers insights into challenges, crisis management and resilience in the adventure tourism SEMs during the COVID-19 pandemic.