Managing relationships in the Tourism Supply Chain to overcome epidemic outbreaks: The case of COVID-19 and the hospitality industry in Spain

Thais González-Torres; José-Luis Rodríguéz-Sánchez; Eva Pelechano-Barahona

doi:10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102733

Managing relationships in the Tourism Supply Chain to overcome epidemic outbreaks: The case of COVID-19 and the hospitality industry in Spain

Int J Hosp Manag. 2021 Jan:92:102733. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102733. Epub 2020 Oct 21.

Authors

Thais González-Torres¹, José-Luis Rodríguéz-Sánchez¹, Eva Pelechano-Barahona¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Business Administration (ADO), Applied Economics II and Fundaments of Economic Analysis, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Paseo de los Artilleros s/n, Edificio Departamental, Office 008, 28032, Madrid, Spain.

Abstract

The rapid spatial diffusion of the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak has resulted in the total economic disruption of the Tourism Supply Chain (TSC) causing a significant reduction in revenue and creating liquidity issues for all operators. Firms in TSC are linked to each other in complex patterns, leading one risk to another. The purpose of this article is to understand the role of relationship management between hotel chains and their key TSC agents in order to overcome economic disruptions caused by epidemic outbreaks. Among the main contributions of this article are the identification of governments, tour operators, and competitors as the key relationships to be managed by hospitality firms. In addition, key areas for coordination with these actors are explored. Finally, the objectives of relationship management according to the partner are also addressed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Economic disruption; Hospitality industry; Hotel chains; Tourism supply Chain (TSC).