Hoteliers across the country are reviewing their contingency plans, with some downsizing operations, as the Covid-19 pandemic hits the tourism sector.

Industry experts told the GDN that the hospitality industry has to ride the wave before an actual assessment of local and international losses is conducted.

In the last two months the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) has immensely affected the sector worldwide, with some properties in Bahrain asking their staff to stay home on unpaid leave or annual vacation, while others have been asked to take pay cuts.

Businessman Hameed Al Halwachi, who is on the hospitality and tourism committee of the country’s main business body, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), said four- and five-star properties need a minimum of 30 per cent occupancy levels to sustain operations.

“Hotels are literally handicapped now because Covid-19 has hit their revenues big time,” he said.

“The situation is even worse than 2011 in Bahrain because many hotels have asked their staff to go on leave and the occupancy levels are between 1pc to 5pc.

“Airlines have suspended operations and King Fahad Causeway is closed (since March 8) which have significantly reduced the number of tourists arriving in the country.”

Visa on arrival for all nationalities was suspended from March 18 as part of travel restrictions to limit the spread of the virus, which has claimed three lives in Bahrain.

Other key measures have also been taken in the fight against the coronavirus, including closing all non-essential businesses until April 9.

Public gatherings of more than five people have also been banned, with strict measures to be taken against violators.

Classes in all public and private schools have also been suspended until further notice, while movie theatres, fitness centres and recreational facilities have been closed.

People have also been asked to only leave their homes to go to work or hospitals or to buy medicines and other essential requirements.

“Some of the hotels are manning their operations with less than 10pc of their staff,” added Mr Al Halwachi.

“We are hoping the situation starts to stabilise by May and when the causeway is opened, but until then we are on the edge.”

Meanwhile, Promoseven Holdings Group chairman Akram Miknas said they are working on different strategies to mitigate the impact on their 300 employees working in the hospitality sector.

“I would suggest hoteliers to take it easy for a while and restudy their situation and talk with banks and other entities,” he said.