Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Tourists' Behavior and Preferences: A Critical Insight
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/sajssh.2022.3410Keywords:
COVID-19, Tourists' preferences, Travel behavior, Latest trendsAbstract
Purpose: This paper aims to explore the variations in tourists' behavior and preferences due to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the latest tourism and hospitality industry trends. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on a review of the allied literature on tourist preferences, tourist behavior, tourism marketing, tourism management, and a combination of reports from various organizations.
Findings: The paper identifies that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the tourists' behavior and preferences regarding their choice of accommodation, transportation, and destination, which has increased the popularity of domestic tourism, sustainable travel, free and independent travel, and short-distance trips. COVID-19 has accelerated the trend of safety and hygiene, virtual reality, cashless payment, contactless services, travel bubbles, and artificial intelligence and robots. There is a significant possibility that these trends will continue.
Practical implications: It is essential to adopt the latest tourism and hospitality trends in response to tourists' changing behavior and preferences due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping up with the latest trends in the industry will give the best opportunity to reach the target audience and ensure that the business delivers the customer experience that consumers want and expect.
Originality: This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how COVID-19 has impacted tourists' behavior and preferences. This is the first study to highlight the latest tourism and hospitality industry trends during and after the pandemic.
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