COVID-19 Safety Measures’ Commitment in the Egyptian Hotel Industry: An Exploratory Mixed-Method Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Hotel Management Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City, Egypt

2 Technical Member and Hotel Inspector at Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Assistant Office, Egypt

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine guests’ perceptions of COVID-19 safety measures in the Egyptian hotel industry and determine their assessment of such measures implemented in different hotel areas. In addition, it explores the management decisions and preparations for the future to support that safety commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, an exploratory mixed-method approach was used as the methodology to achieve the study’s objectives. Based on an official checklist for hotel safety procedures released by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, a structured questionnaire was distributed with 446 valid responses being received from hotel guests. The management strategies to support safety commitment were then investigated in a qualitative study based on 35 semi-structured interviews. According to the study findings, guests place great importance on the implementation of safety measures in hotel clinics, guest rooms, and restaurants. However, their evaluation of the optimum safety measures in hotel areas found that restaurants and guest rooms require more severe and active safety measures. It was also emphasized that during times of crisis, hotel managers highlight the role of managerial practices as well as collaboration with governmental stakeholders. Finally, this study concludes with important theoretical contributions and implications for the hotel industry during the pandemic time.

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