Effects of socio-demographics, sense of control, and uncertainty avoidability on post-COVID-19 vacation intention. Issue 19 (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peluso, Alessandro M.; Pichierri, Marco
• Is Part Of: Current issues in tourism. Volume 24:Issue 19(2021)
• Page Start: 2755
• Page End: 2767
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: Socio-demographics -- COVID-19 -- pandemic -- sense of control -- uncertainty avoidability -- vacation intention; Tourism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Travel -- Periodicals; 338.479105
• DOI: 10.1080/13683500.2020.1849050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-3500

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Tourism industry is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the global spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, due to the novelty of the phenomenon, there is a shortage of studies exploring the effects of the pandemic on tourists' reactions and, to date, no study has examined how certain individual differences might impact vacation intention after COVID-19. To contribute to this area of inquiry, this research focuses on a series of socio-demographic variables – i.e. age, gender, education, income, health status, and number of children – to investigate their influence on individuals' sense of control, ability to avoid the uncertainty derived from the current health crisis, and vacation intention. The research predicts a chain of relationships whereby the socio-demographic variables influence individuals' sense of control, which is positively associated with their perceived ability to avoid uncertainty. This perception, in turn, is positively related to vacation intention. A survey study conducted in Italy shows that older respondents and those in poorer health conditions feel less in control and able to avoid the situational uncertainty related to the pandemic; this feeling, in turn, decreases their intention to take a vacation as soon as the pandemic is over. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.