Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Nikol Lopez is currently a Hospitality management PhD student at Iowa State University and she obtained her MSc in Hospitality and Tourism at Ohio University. Nikol’s interest area of research is focused in Rural and sustainable tourism, as well as the impacts of COVID-19 in the industry.

Dr. Sandy Chen holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration, from University of Nevada, and several certificates on strategic marketing and revenue management from Cornell University. She worked for several international tourism organizations and her major research interests include consumer behavior, firm behavior, and service quality and innovation.

Abstract (150 Words)

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to rethink their business activities. Due to being distant from crowded cities, rural tourism destinations have become getaway places, with some counties in rural Ohio experiencing an influx of tourists. This study addresses responses from key stakeholders of tourism and tourism development activities in two counties in southeastern Ohio, part of the Appalachian region. Their perceptions of impacts of the pandemic on local tourism and tourism activities were examined using a qualitative approach. Findings suggested both positive and negative impacts of COVID-19, showing the challenges faced, and the strategies used during the pandemic. The study suggests that community support and partnerships are essential in leveraging the growth opportunities presented by the pandemic to rural tourism.

Key words: Rural tourism development, COVID-19, challenges, opportunities, strategies.

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Crisis and Revitalization of Rural Tourism in the Appalachian Region in Ohio In the Midst of the Pandemic: The Perspective of Key Stakeholders

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to rethink their business activities. Due to being distant from crowded cities, rural tourism destinations have become getaway places, with some counties in rural Ohio experiencing an influx of tourists. This study addresses responses from key stakeholders of tourism and tourism development activities in two counties in southeastern Ohio, part of the Appalachian region. Their perceptions of impacts of the pandemic on local tourism and tourism activities were examined using a qualitative approach. Findings suggested both positive and negative impacts of COVID-19, showing the challenges faced, and the strategies used during the pandemic. The study suggests that community support and partnerships are essential in leveraging the growth opportunities presented by the pandemic to rural tourism.

Key words: Rural tourism development, COVID-19, challenges, opportunities, strategies.