Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Pages: 49-61

Journal: Journal of Tourism Futures

Volume number: 9

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 2055-5911

eISSN: 2055-592X

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-01-2021-0017

Publisher: Emerald

Abstract: 
PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the changes in travel patterns and tourist behavior due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This study realizes these changes and reports them to help restore tourism.Design/methodology/approachThis applied study used library sources and a survey conducted through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire incorporated data from previous studies and the most recent online databases. Items were exploratory factors analyzed using the principal component method and varimax rotation. The interpretation of the data collected was consistent with the attributes the questionnaire was designed to measure.FindingsThe research findings show that health and safety have come to the forefront of travelers' needs. The hygiene and disinfection of tourism facilities have changed from hygiene factors to motivator factors. The extended length of trips is perceived as a risk to their health; hence travelers prefer to take shorter trips. They also rather get help from professionals to book their trips.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted only in Iran, where travel restrictions were periodically put on and removed. If this study could be conducted in countries with no domestic travel restrictions, other valuable findings such as changes in consumer spending and preferences toward travelling and safety could be found.Practical implicationsThis paper provides information on the latest changes to travel patterns and tourists' behavior which can be implied by DMOs (Destination Marketing Organization), governments and private tour operators to understand and consider travelers emerging needs.Originality/valueThis paper enables better planning and organization for the future and restart of tourism post-COVID-19.

Harvard Citation style: Mirzaei, R., Sadin, M. and Pedram, M. (2023) Tourism and COVID-19: changes in travel patterns and tourists' behavior in Iran, Journal of Tourism Futures, 9(1), pp. 49-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-01-2021-0017

APA Citation style: Mirzaei, R., Sadin, M., & Pedram, M. (2023). Tourism and COVID-19: changes in travel patterns and tourists' behavior in Iran. Journal of Tourism Futures. 9(1), 49-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-01-2021-0017