Ready for recovery: Hoteliers’ insights into the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian hotel industry

ABSTRACT This research studies the hotel manager perspective of COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) on the Indian hotel industry by qualitatively analysing inputs from the human resources department, general management and top management of five-star hotels across India. In doing so, it advances knowledge on the impact of the COVID-19 situation in the domains of human resources (HR), strategy and business operations in the hospitality industry. The study analyses qualitative data collected through online interviews with 17 top-level managers of five-star hotels spread across India. Content analysis is done and the key findings with practical implications have been highlighted. This initial study on the hotel industry in India uncovers how the hoteliers are currently dealing with the pandemic across the country. Findings show that there is a massive negative impact on the Indian hotel industry, in terms of the revenue per available room (RevPAR) and occupancy rates. However, the study also highlights how hoteliers look forward to a phased re-opening of hotels with an increased focus on safety and hygiene after the COVID-19 crisis. The study provides a significant contribution to academic practitioners, hoteliers, and policymakers by examining the future plans in areas of hotels’ HR, strategy and business plans.