Title: The impact of customer behaviour on travel intention abroad after a pandemic

Authors: Febriana R. Kusumawati; Ehsan Ferdous; Bahruz Bayramov

Addresses: Department of Tourism Management, School of Tourism Management, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Ave., Zhongyuan District, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China ' Department of International Trade, School of Business, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Ave., Zhongyuan District, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China ' Department of Business Administration, School of Management, Xian Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning W Rd., Jioda Commerce Block, Beilin, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China

Abstract: Among industries around the world that has been affected by the global pandemic Covid-19, the tourism industry is hit the hardest. Compared to other industries, the effect of travel restrictions specifically in the department of international tourism leaves the industry vulnerable with a noticeable decline in international tourist arrivals. This situation affects consumer behaviour in terms of travel intentions after the pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between consumer behaviour and the impact of post-pandemic travel intentions. Based on an online survey with potential travellers from six continents, a total of 350 respondents were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) through a nonprobability and convenience-sampling approach. The result suggested that general impact, attitude and preference have a significant impact on travel intention, with hygiene and safety having the most influence on post-pandemic travel intention. The outcome of this study will therefore contribute to the decision-making process of managers involved in the tourism business. Therefore, they can manage their business in the best possible way in order to accommodate the post-pandemic situation.

Keywords: customer behaviour; COVID-19; general impact; attitude and preference; hygiene and safety; perceived risk; post-pandemic; travel intention; international tourist.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2021.117372

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2021 Vol.11 No.2, pp.142 - 160

Received: 26 Nov 2020
Accepted: 21 Mar 2021
Published online: 01 Sep 2021 *

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