Evaluation of the effects of the pandemic process: A research on hotel businesses specifically in Van province

Crises are defined as unexpected events that often lead to destructive outcomes. The Covid-19 pandemic stands as one of the most prominent examples of such crises, profoundly impacting societies and economic sectors worldwide. The tourism sector, being particularly vulnerable to crises and natural disasters, has been among the most affected areas. As one of the fastest-growing industries globally, tourism has faced significant economic and operational transformations in response to unexpected events such as pandemics and infectious diseases. Measures and restrictions implemented to minimize the negative impacts and loss of life caused by the pandemic have necessitated substantial changes within the tourism sector. In this context, the study aims to examine the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and its economic dimensions. As part of the research, face-to-face interviews were conducted with hotel businesses operating in Van province, and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis and content analysis methods. The findings revealed that hotel businesses experienced significant economic difficulties and underwent operational transformations, highlighting the critical importance of crisis management for the sector. These findings underscore the necessity of adopting proactive measures and developing sustainable strategies to mitigate the effects of similar crises in the future.