Managing the Seasonal Slump: A Qualitative Study on the Strategic Responses to Seasonality Challenges of the Selected Tourism and Hospitality Establishment in Lucban, Quezon

Seasonal changes have significantly impacted the global tourism and hospitality industries, leading to challenges such as loss of income, economic instability, and inconsistent tourist arrivals during off-peak seasons. In this study, the researchers focused on the challenges faced by the chosen informants in tourism and hospitality establishments, mainly farms and resorts. The purpose of the study was to determine the strategic response mainly farms and resorts. The purpose of the study was to determine the strategic response they have to manage the seasonal slump that occurred in businesses that heavily affected operation management. The study was conducted through a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews through interview guides and responses from five (5) tourism and hospitality establishments coded with thematic analysis. The findings show that different seasons, such as the ber months, school season, and off-peak season or after summer, including weather, are big factors that affect tourists' interest in visiting an establishment, which drives a minimal to no tourist arrival record that affects the stability and performance of the establishments, including the employees' benefits, financial management infrastructure development, and more. In addition, the study revealed that there was no documented strategic plan for the chosen establishment, mostly and establishment owned by older people and that they only rely on guest arrivals during peak season. Thus, in conclusion, this study provides evidence that the chosen establishment needs and established strategic plan for better improvement of their operation in handling a seasonal slump to boost their profit and improve business operations.