| Abstract [eng] |
The relevance of this Master thesis is that Covid-19 pandemic, which has been announced by WHO (World Health Organisation) on the 30th of March, 2020, has caused blockages in all economic sectors, but tourism is the most extremely affected. It is difficult to estimate the real impact of the pandemic on international tourism. According to UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), prior to the pandemic, tourism sector generated 10% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and accounted for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. Quarantine measures, flight cancellations, bans and border closures are expected to significantly reduce tourism for several years ahead. Every country in the world has been affected by the pandemics, including Lithuania. This article presents the effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in Lithuania, particulary on tour operators and travel agencies. Tourism is a fast changing industry which depends on many external and internal factors, which have been analysed in the first part of this thesis. These are economical, political and social factors, although highly competitive market and fast changes during the pandemics obliged tour operators and travel agencies to look for new ways and better solutions to create value for their customers and to stay competitive in the market. The aim of this work is to look at the perspectives of tour operators in an outgoing tourism market in Lithuania through the analysis of tour operators and travellers and to suggest the possibilities for its further successful development. The research methodology consists of scientific literature, documentary and statistical data, regarding the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector, analysis, also qualitative research of 6 largest tour operators in Lithuania, quantitative research of travellers in Lithuania and the entification of both results. The results underline that Covid-19 pandemic has affected both tourism industry segments for more then 80%. Further along, business development theory and its strategy, strategic possibilities and competitiveness are being analysed, as well as business model and tourism concepts are being suggested. The results of both surveys are presented accordingly. At the end of this thesis conclusions and suggestions of business development strategies for tour operators are introduced. |
