Published Paper Details:

The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest service industries in the world. With the exception of SARS epidemic (2003) and economic slowdown (2009), the last two decades have seen steady growth if the industry. The global pandemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has severely affected the travel and tourism business and other ancillary businesses worldwide. The unprecedented situation created turmoil which pushed the industry into heavy losses. It took some time for the industry to come out from the shock and figure out the ways, initially, to survive and later to recover. This study focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian tourism industry. It also attempts to trace the changes in the industry during the crisis. The study attempts to analyse the impact on various sectors and aspects of the industry such as transportation, hospitality, and domestic tourism. The study also specifically discusses the impact on the MICE industry. The results and discussion of the paper are derived from the inputs provided by industry professionals through structured interviews and a critical review of relevant literature. The study revealed the impacts and the ways adopted by the industry to survive during these difficult times. This paper also attempts to explore the changes in tourist behavioural post-pandemic including their decision-making. The study has attempted to explore the revival strategies adapted from the industry's various stakeholders. These strategies are expected to go on to become new norms in the tourism business. Overall, the study outlines the initial impacts, challenges, recovery, and revival strategies of the tourism industry.