COVID-19 and its Incidence on the Socioeconomic Conditions of Informal Workers in the Tourism Sector in Johnny Cay, San Andres Island (Colombia)

Abstract

This article analyzes the perception of the impact of COVID-19 on the socioeconomic conditions of informal workers in Johnny Cay, San Andrés Isla, Colombia, as well as the formulation of recommendations, from the actors themselves, that contribute to the improvement of their conditions. A questionnaire was applied, using the survey technique, to a sample of 101 informal workers on the key, assuming a confidence level of 95% and of error of 4.4%. The results show that the pandemic affected the income and quality of life of informal workers. In fact, most
of them did not earn any income during the closures decreed by the government. In addition, with the passage of Hurricane Iota, they saw their socioeconomic situation worsen, which generated increases in their levels of stress and anxiety. It should be noted that the workers expect an
improvement in their socioeconomic conditions, thanks to the reactivation of tourism on the island. However, they consider of great importance the joint work with the local and national government to ensure investment in infrastructure, as well as the strengthening of customer service skills, in addition to compliance with biosafety protocols.