The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small-Scale Hospitality and Tourism Businesses in Coastal Communities in Ghana

Victor Owusu (), Raphael Ane Atanga (), Yaw Agyeman Boafo (), Kojo Gyabaah () and Richard Boateng ()
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Victor Owusu: University of Education
Raphael Ane Atanga: University of Education
Yaw Agyeman Boafo: University of Ghana
Kojo Gyabaah: University of Education
Richard Boateng: University of Education

Chapter Chapter 2 in COVID-19, Tourist Destinations and Prospects for Recovery, 2023, pp 21-40 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of society globally. This chapter investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on small-scale hospitality and tourism businesses in Winneba, a coastal town in Ghana’s central region. Following the qualitative case study approach, 19 in-depth interviews were conducted with managers and operators of small-scale hospitality and tourism businesses. The findings revealed that businesses, including ‘chop bars’, ‘one-man kebabs’, guest houses, and recreational centres, experienced significant adverse effects on operations, supply, and finances. Self-reported outcomes included low patronage, additional expenditure on COVID-19 safety protocols, spoilage of perishable foodstuff, expiration of items in stock, temporal shutdowns, and staff layoffs. These effects were attributed to the ban on social gatherings, lockdowns, closure of schools, border closure, and restricted access or ban on beach-going. Coping strategies adopted by businesses included the closure of companies, adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, and switching to delivery services. From these findings, it is imperative for relevant tourism policy and decision-makers in Ghana to implement tailor-made COVID-19-related stimulus packages such as tax reliefs, soft loans with low interest, and utility bill discounts if these businesses are to continue operation.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Coastal tourism; Crisis management; Ghana; Small-scale hospitality and tourism business (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-24655-5_2

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-24655-5_2

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