Exploring resilience of the hotel industry using the example of Polish regions: The case of COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE: This study explores the relationship between the resilience of the hotel industry (an underdeveloped concept) and the factors that support the development of this industry. It examines whether the resilience of the hotel industry varies regionally and whether it is influenced either by the characteristics of the hotel industry or by regional economic conditions. The study focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic, which particularly hit the hotel industry. METHODOLOGY: The clustering method is used to identify regions in Poland with similar pre-pandemic hotel industry development are identified. Secondly, Potthoff’s analysis and Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn’s tests are used respectively to identify variations in the resilience responses of the industry in different regions and to examine the antecedents of these variations. FINDINGS: The data collected indicate variations between clusters in terms of resilience response. Not all factors that support the development of the hotel industry in a particular region are equally conducive to its resilience. Our study shows that the pandemic was not an isolated or unique event but rather a catalyst that brought long-standing issues for the hotel and tourism sector. IMPLICATIONS FOR THEORY AND PRACTICE: This study contributes to the development of resilience theory by providing evidence-based arguments for separating the domains of resilience and development and for a more granular exploration of the trade-offs between them. From the perspective of the hotel industry, insights into narrowly channeled agglomeration externalities during a crisis could inform strategic decisions regarding the location of hotel investments, the value proposition created, and business model diversification. Therefore, there is a need for more resilient crisis management strategies that can be applied across the tourism sector. These strategies should encompass effective supply chain management and a robust framework for labor security. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: The findings suggest that hotel industry development factors, which include both industry characteristics and regionally shaped economic conditions, provide mixed support for the resilience of this industry. The study revealed clear tensions between development and resilience impacts by highlighting existing trade-offs. Focusing attention on trade-off tensions advances both the conceptual validity and application potential. Although the present study was defined for the specific circumstances of the hotel industry, this approach can be replicated in different industries that are components of the supply chain of the tourism market and its value chain.