THE DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES OF THE SPANISH FLU AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE REGION OF OPATIJA FROM A HORECA PERSPECTIVE

The Covid-19 pandemic hit Europe like a stroke. For the current generation, society had never been punched so hard. Although, for the grand-parents' generation there were still vivid memories of another pandemic that occurred almost one hundred years ago, the so-called Spanish Flu. The article examined the experience of the Spanish Flu in the region of Opatija and of the current Covid-19 pandemic. Local newspapers and data of parish offices provided detailed information about the Spanish Flu. It allowed interpretations from hindsight, which are supported by anecdotes from the same epoch. A qualitative research approach investigated the current situation with Covid-19 in the same region from the perspective of HORECA (HOtel/REstaurant/CAtering). With interviews three dimensions were explored: the past, the present, and the future. The article presents as method empirical social research by applying twelve expert interviews and narrative research. The interviews were coded, and the outcome distilled in a table with three columns (i.e., past, present, and future) and nine lines. Literature research delivered the foundation of the study, especially of historic data. Time-series of the Spanish Flu and of Covid-19 unveiled interesting insights, which can be interpreted as differences but also as similarities. The results show that there are major learnings: (1) be prepared for the unpreparable, (2) respect self-reliance to health-critical supplies in the regions, (3) pay attention to medical capability of the local infrastructure, and (4) utilize new media channels to foster the Opatija experience to guests locally and on a European level. The conclusion delivered the insight that Covid-19 is seen as a very severe threat, unparalleled to any other crisis in recent history. It has shaken up the region for many years to come. But hope was expressed to evolve with new business ideas by learning from the lessons of the Spanish Flu and the Covid-19 pandemic.