Tourism during COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Top 20 Visited Country

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: The study aims to examine the impact of government actions and country-specific factors during the COVID-19 on the tourism industry around the globe. Design/Methodology/Approach: The sample includes data of the 20 highly visited countries worldwide according to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization). This study uses the pooled panel ordinary least squares regression model to test the impact of COVID-19 on tourism industries. Findings: This study finds that out of government action variable like social distancing significantly decreases the income from the tourism industry and the number of tourists. Public transport mobility and infrastructural facilities have a significant positive relation with tourism. We have found no significant relationship between people’s awareness and the tourism industry. Research limitations/implications: The study's sample size is only restricted to a sample of 20 most visited countries, which may exclude the holistic effects of the pandemic around the world. On another note, we have not included any primary data which may provide essential findings to the international regulators and organizers during the pandemic. We have failed to do so as we have resource limitation and communication breakdown during this pandemic. Practical Implications: Findings of the study may provide a dynamic perspective of the pandemic to the governments of various countries and international regulators. Such findings can guide the concerned stakeholders to tackle with much more resilience and caution. Originality/Value- Various studies are undertaken and are still exploring the impact of this pandemic on the tourism industry day by day. Our research is different in the sense that it covers the sensitive aspects of the pandemic, like actions of the government and differing impact due to various country-specific factors that influence the industry.