Tourists’ Perceptions Regarding Traveling for Recreational or Leisure Purposes in Times of Health Crisis

Carmen-Mihaela Cretu, Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu, Carmen-Gabriela Sirbu, Florentina Chitu, Emanuel Ştefan Marinescu, Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir and Daniela Monica Robu
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Carmen-Mihaela Cretu: Faculty of Economic Sciences, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania
Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu: Faculty of Economic Sciences, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania
Carmen-Gabriela Sirbu: Faculty of Economic Sciences, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania
Florentina Chitu: Faculty of International Business and Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Emanuel Ştefan Marinescu: Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania
Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
Daniela Monica Robu: Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Press Department of Danubius University of Galati, Danubius University, 800654 Galati, Romania

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-24

Abstract: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of tourists regarding traveling for recreational or leisure purposes in times of health crisis. All areas of activity have been affected by the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (associated with a disease called COVID-19), and all countries are experiencing health crises. The tourism industry, together with its associated fields, experienced a decline during this period that is still difficult to assess. This study examined intentions to travel in the current conditions imposed by the health crisis. Various measures have been recommended or imposed by governments to control the spread of COVID-19. Travel has been significantly influenced by such measures. However, people have various travel needs, from shopping to work and leisure to exploration. The data were collected through an online questionnaire survey addressed to the active population in Romania. The application of this questionnaire coincided with the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Romania. The conditions related to the degree of incidence of infections in the respondents’ areas and also the connection between the expression of the intention to travel and the protection conditions in the destination areas were analyzed. The entire study was based on office research, statistical analysis, case study methods, and analysis of empirical data obtained through the survey of the active population in Romania. The results explain the travel tendencies of Romanians in the following period. Fear of infection and perceived risk have significantly influenced travel behaviors, but intentions to travel for recreational or leisure purposes have been maintained. The results of this study could be useful in planning and rethinking the activities of the tourism industry in the coming period.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic crisis; tourism; travel intention; health; Romania; uncertainty (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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