Abstract
The fifth largest economy of the world, California, has been profoundly transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the global crisis, California has pioneered strategies to adapt and set models for the rest of the United States. COVID-19 is a turning point affecting people’s mental and physical health, policies, employment and finances, behavior in outdoor environments, compassionate behavior toward others, and flexibility in e-learning. While the hospitality and tourism industry was grappling with concerns about climate change, over-tourism, and competitors, this pandemic has changed the focus due to its significant impact. In a post-COVID-19 world, the California hospitality and tourism industry must take emergent actions for survival and also develop new creative strategies for maintaining a competitive edge. As part of the global effect of COVID-19, we see California as a local region in the US, and our discussion will involve further exploration of the impact on the State of California.