COVID-19 cripples global restaurant and hospitality industry

The restaurant and hospitality industries are crucial socio-economic sectors that contribute immensely to the global economy. However, these sectors are vulnerable and sensitive to natural hazards such as the COVID-19 pandemic and any resultant economic downturns. This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the global restaurant industry using data from OpenTable and other sources. The study found that sit-in guests dropped to zero in many countries as governments across the world instituted social distancing initiatives, movement restrictions and lockdowns. COVID-19 also led to an unprecedented loss of employment and revenue, resulting in millions of jobs and billions of dollars in potential revenue lost. The work recommends extra-ordinary financial and other support measures for the sector. It further recommends a raft of safety and health protocols as the industry gradually reopens.

Automated summary

The restaurant and hospitality industries play crucial roles in the global economy, but are vulnerable to natural hazards such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found that COVID-19 had a severe impact on the global restaurant industry, resulting in loss of employment and revenue, and recommends extraordinary financial support and safety protocols as the industry reopens gradually.