Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on hotel and restaurant operations. A case study of Fort-Portal City
Abstract
Whilst the current Covid-19 pandemic is an extremely challenging time for the hotel industry in
its operations and management, it also presents an opportunity for hotel operators to re-connect
with their owners, and demonstrate the value that they bring to the relationship.
The study employed a statistical descriptive survey, regression analysis utilizing a multi-stage
sampling technique that consisted of both probability and non- probability sampling methods.
Data was collected by means of questionnaire and was administered to 10 hotels and some
restaurants in Fort-Portal city. The data retrieved was subjected to Uni-variate, bi-variate and
multivariate analysis with the aid of STATA version 15 and Microsoft Excel.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to the hotel industry, with
occupancy levels and average daily rates in most markets dropping off a cliff and uncertainty as
to when government mandated travel restrictions and lock-downs will end.
Hotel owners and operators have faced numerous challenges and various opportunities in this
pandemic therefore the discussions are to clarify on the variations created during the pandemic
and before the pandemic of Covid-19.
The COVID-19 crisis presents many challenges for hotel owners and operators. However, it also
presents a great opportunity for operators to demonstrate their value to owners and for the parties
to navigate this crisis together and come out with a stronger relationship that generates a more
profitable business for both in future. The dissertation aims at establishing the effects of Covid 19 on hotel owners and operators in Fort-Portal city