The Effects of the Covid Pandemic on the Hotel Industry in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

  • Ian Patterson PhD Visiting Professor, Silk Road International University of Tourism, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
  • Nazokat Khamidova Graduate Student, Silk Road International University of Tourism, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UZYA3
Keywords: hotel industry, COVID-19 pandemic, sustainable hotels, smart technologies, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Abstract

The aim of the research is to examine the state of the hotel industry in Samarkand, Uzbekistan before, during and after the COVID pandemic had diminished. It is important to determine the state of the hotel industry in Samarkand and if they are adopting innovative practices that relate to the principles of sustainability and smart tourism, so as to attract greater numbers of international tourists. This study used a qualitative methodology that involved interviewing a purposive sample of nine hotel managers in Samarkand, Uzbekistan using a number of semi-structured questions. The small sample size was the main limitation for this study as several managers were reluctant to be interviewed. The results found that hoteliers were generally cognizant of the need to take advantage of the current period of openness to organizational change, and to develop action strategies to become more sustainable and resilient to change in the future. Although there were financial problems in regard to implementing recovery strategies, several hoteliers were beginning to plan to apply sustainability principles and to introduce new technologies to attract more international travelers in the future.

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Published
2022-04-25
How to Cite
Patterson, I., & Khamidova, N. (2022). The Effects of the Covid Pandemic on the Hotel Industry in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Central Asian Journal of Innovations on Tourism Management and Finance, 3(4), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UZYA3
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 4 (2022): April 2022
Section
Articles

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