Preparing for a future crisis: using DEA-based performance analysis to assess initial pandemic responses in the Taiwanese hotel industry

Purpose Taiwan’s hotel industry was adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine effect of strategic choices Taiwanese international tourist hotels before and during pandemic environments. Design/methodology/approach A data envelopment analysis (DEA)-based Malmquist methodology is used in this provide a mechanism assess strategy performance. Changes productivity performance were analyzed periods uncover insights useful should similar crisis occur future. Panel obtained from annual report published Taiwan Tourism Bureau 2017–2020. Two groups study: city scenic hotels. Findings The findings reveal that chain tended perform better than independent both areas global Specifically, caused substantial decline profitability for Taipei City period. Compared hotels, also indicate most able maintain productivity, including larger-sized Originality/value DEA-based provides unique valuable firm leaders on how identify make when responding future crises.