What is Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK)

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the measures taken to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in the tourism sector. Therefore, the study evaluates the employment rates in the tourism-related sectors and the course of the tourism sector revenues during the pandemic period in Turkey. According to the results of the study conducted based on the observation of statistical data, the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector experienced the highest employment loss with 38.9%. As a result of the restrictions on tourist mobility, the decrease in tourism revenues has reached 65% compared to the pre-pandemic period. While the research reveals the importance of the tourism sector for national economies, it also emphasizes the sensitivity of the sector against unexpected developments. The study is expected to contribute to the literature as it is an example and source for future applied and theoretical studies on the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.