The sensitivity of employment in the hotel industry to the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Poland

Motives: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented disruption to the global tourism economy. The diminished demand for hotel services, coupled with substantial operational uncertainty, compelled hoteliers to adopt survival strategies, often entailing workforce reductions. Aim: The objective of the article was to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment levels in hotel establishments in Poland and to suggest a strategy that would enable these facilities to navigate similar challenges in the future. Results: The article explores the sensitivity of employment in the hotel industry to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on a case study of Poland. It highlights significant changes in the hotel labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study includes a detailed analysis of individuals working in the hotel industry from 2012 to 2021. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment in Polish hotels was examined based on the collected primary data. The research findings affirm the industry’s susceptibility to pandemic risks, but they indicate that appropriate measures can mitigate negative effects. Consequently, the article proposes strategies to assist hotel facilities in overcoming similar challenges in the future.