Investigating the Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Tourism Economy in Lalejin City: With a Special Emphasis on the Role of Handicrafts

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has caused one of the most serious damage on the world tourism industry. Considering the important role of tourism and handicrafts industry in the economy of Lalejin city, the purpose of this study is to investigate the channels through which corona outbreak has affected the tourism industry in Lalejin city. In addition, considering the centrality of handicrafts in formation of tourism in Lalejin city, this study will answer the question of whether the presence of handicrafts in the tourism industry of Lalejin city has been able to reduce the effects of Corona pandemic crisis on the economy or not? In order to find different dimensions of the impact of Corona pamdemic on tourism and sustainable development of Lalejin city, and based on Grounded theory methods, this study made a survey on the personal stories and personal experiences of 21 craftsmen and producers of pottery and ceramics in Lalejin industrial town, workers and sellers of related handicraft industries, exporters, and business owners in the field of tourism services in Lalejin city. The results of the coding of the interviews indicate 9 main mechanisms that the prevalence of corona influenced on tourism businesses which include: 1) Changes in target markets and trading partners 2) changes in the labor market 3) changes in the Market structures 4) change in sales and marketing strategies 5) change in people's interests and tastes 6) financial problems 7) problems caused by the application of curfews and restrictions 8) government mismanagement and 9) aggravating factors such as Inflation and international sanctions. The results of this study also indicate that the centrality of handicrafts in the tourism industry of Lalejin city has caused a high degree of labor mobility in this city and thus has prevented widespread unemployment during the crisis.