Shifts in travel behaviour influenced by risk perception, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Tourism is one of the main drivers of the economy, but it is exposed to several crises that can negatively affect its functioning. One of the objectives of this dissertation was to better understand the past crises affecting the tourism sector by applying a systematic literature review methodology. Based on the literature, I categorized them into three groups: natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and tsunamis; man-made crises such as wars, terrorism, political instability, and financial crises; and a combination of the two such as the coronavirus pandemic, which, apart from its natural origin, can be attributed to human activity. In the aftermath of the pandemic COVID-19, there have been significant changes in travel patterns, characterized by a complex interplay of risk factors and individual decision-making. A further aim of this PhD dissertation was to explore the complex relationship between risk-taking and travel decisions, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the pandemics. The research seeks to determine how concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have led to fundamental changes in travel behavior. It examines the various factors that influence risk decisions, including health concerns, government policy, media influence, and personal experiences. It is important to emphasize that the empirical research on the impact of COVID-19 on travel behavior is based on primary research conducted in Hungary.