Abstract:
The hotel sector was temporarily closed due to COVID-19, which curtailed the movement of loyal
and prospective customers. The hotels had to adopt a coping mechanism to survive and reduce the
severe effect of COVID-19, such as loss-making. This study examined off-site catering:
determination of covid-19 coping strategies on hotel performance in Bungoma town. The
objectives of the study were to determine the influence of diversification and technological
development on hotel performance in Bungoma town. The study used descriptive survey research
design targeting hotels and their customers. The study sample size was five hotels, and 500
customers were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a
close-ended questionnaire where the drop-and-pick method was employed. Data were analysed
quantitatively. The study noted that most of the respondents affirmed that COVID-19 had
paralysed the hotels and hence forced them to diversify and engage in other business units to
survive. The study found that the hotel had specialised in off-site catering to ensure they survived
past COVID-19 and created several business units for income generation. Further, the study
revealed that hotels were delivering food packages and opting to take services to consumers in the
comfort of their homes. The results showed that hotels had come up with delivery app services for
food and beverage and were utilising social media by using food delivery apps. The study
recommended that there is a need for hotels to always conduct a feasibility study to establish the
best venture in the market to avoid stretching beyond their means.
Key words: off-site catering, coping mechanism, diversification, technological development, hotel
performance