We are open: understanding crisis management of restaurants as pandemic hits tourism

Abstract

The global crisis derived from the rapid spread of the Covid-19 has led to the temporary closure of tourism services. As countries and regions come out of the lockdown, a new normal has automatically taken over. Among numerous business, restaurant services are the first to respond to this new normal way of living. As a consequence, this study reviews how restaurants are responding to the new context, where strict measures are required to grant social distance and a safe service provision. Based on published research and news media, this paper reveals how restaurants as a tourism system are resilient and adapting to the coronavirus. Results show the significance of technological, creative and do-it-yourself solutions. The study contributes to the further understanding of the coexistence of tourism and pandemics.