Resilience in the face of crisis: challenges and recovery strategies of accommodation sector establishments in Surigao del Sur amidst pandemic

This study examines the challenges and recovery strategies of accommodation-sector Tourism-Related Establishments (TREs) in Surigao del Sur, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anchored in multidimensional resilience theory, the research explores how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigated operational disruptions, financial losses, labor instability, and supply-chain interruptions in a tourism-dependent provincial context. A qualitative research design was employed to capture context-specific meanings and adaptive processes that could not be adequately quantified. Using purposive sampling, twenty (20) participants—including owners, managers, and frontline employees from hotels, resorts, and guesthouses—were selected based on their direct involvement in operational decision-making or service delivery during the pandemic. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between January and September 2021, either face-to-face or via virtual platforms, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's iterative framework was applied to identify patterns across narratives, while reflexive memoing and cross-case comparisons enhanced analytical rigor. Further, the findings reveal that enterprises faced cascading disruptions, including temporary closures, revenue decline, wage delays, and supply shortages. In response, TREs adopted institutional compliance with health protocols, leveraged social media for digital visibility, strengthened participatory communication, and cultivated positive organizational mindsets. These strategies reflect the interaction of organizational, financial, digital, human resource, and institutional resilience dimensions. The study contributes empirical evidence from a provincial tourism setting and situates enterprise adaptation within a sustainable development lens, particularly aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Overall, the findings position resilience as a dynamic, integrative pathway toward sustainable tourism transformation.