Title: The impact of theft and tourist-targeted attacks in London on college students' travel intentions: evidence from an experimental study

Authors: Abdulaziz Mohammed Alsawafi

Addresses: College of Economics and Business Administration, University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Nizwa, P.O. Box 477, Postal Code 611 Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract: Destination reputation strongly shapes travel decisions, particularly among college students. This study examines how negative media coverage - specifically theft and tourist-targeted attacks - affects students' intentions to visit London. Using an experimental design, participants were assigned to a control group or an experimental group exposed to such media reports. Findings show that exposure significantly increased perceived risk and reduced willingness to travel. Interpreted through perspectives from media studies, sociology, behavioural economics, criminology, and communication theory, the results highlight the substantial impact of adverse publicity on travel behaviour. The study underscores the importance of strategic communication and active reputation management by tourism stakeholders, offering insights relevant to both academic research and practical tourism management amid growing global security concerns.

Keywords: college students; travel intentions; experimental design; travel decisions; media influence; theft and tourist-targeted attacks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2026.152736

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2026 Vol.16 No.2, pp.167 - 184

Received: 02 Nov 2025
Accepted: 09 Feb 2026
Published online: 08 Apr 2026 *

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