The impact of Central Asian tourists’ risk perception on their travel intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/0867-5856.31.2.08

Keywords:

pandemic, tourism, Central Asia, risk perception, travel attitude, exploratory study

Abstract

Central Asian (CA) countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) are assumed to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations since this particular geographical location holds immense potential in tourism products. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the flourishing tourism sector of these countries has been immensely affected. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of Central Asian tourists' risk attitudes toward traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic through consideration of sociodemographic characteristics. The research was conducted during January through April 2021 based on a sample of 966 respondents via an online questionnaire. In the survey, risks are divided into four main categories: health, psychological, financial and travel destination. Nominal regression was used to identify the way in which risk perception affected travel intentions during COVID-19 and the research findings indicate that Central Asian tourists’ risk perception has done so. Hygiene, disinfection and a reliable health system in destinations (21%) will be leading factors in future travel.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abiad, A., Platitas, R., Pagaduan, J., Jabagat, Ch.R., Laviña, E. (2020). The Impact of Covid-19 on developing Asia: The pandemic extends into 2021. ADB Briefs, 159. https://doi.org/10.22617/BRF200367-2
Google Scholar

Aliyeva, S., Xi, C., Degang, Y., Samarkhanov, K., Mazbayev, O., Aday, S., Issanova, G., Kozhokulov, S. (2019). The socioeconomic impact of tourism in East Kazakhstan region: Assessment approach. Sustainability, 11 (17), 4805. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174805
Google Scholar

Bekjanov, D. (2020). Assessment of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry of Uzbekistan. Finance and Banking, 2, 225–237.
Google Scholar

Bekjanov, D., Matyusupov, B. (2020). Influence of innovative processes in the competitiveness of tourist destination. In: J.R.R. Soares (ed.), Innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities in community tourism (pp. 243–263). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4855-4
Google Scholar

Bratić, M., Radivojević, A., Stojiljković, N., Simović, O., Juvan, E., Lesjak, M., Podovšovnik, E. (2021). Should i stay or should i go? Tourists’ COVID-19 risk perception and vacation behavior shift. Sustainability, 13 (6), 3573. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063573
Google Scholar

Cartwright, R. (2000). Reducing the health risks associated with travel. Tourism Economics, 6 (2), 159–167. http://dx.doi.org/10.5367/000000000101297550
Google Scholar

Chien, P.M., Ritchie, B.W., (2018). Understanding intergroup conflicts in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 72(C), 177–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2018.03.004
Google Scholar

Cró, S., Martins, A.M. (2017). Structural breaks in international tourism demand: Are they caused by crises or disasters? Tourism Management, 63, 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2017.05.009
Google Scholar

Foo, L.P., Chin, M.Y., Tan, K.L., Phuah, K.T. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on tourism industry in Malaysia. Current Issues in Tourism, 24 (19), 1735–2739. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2020.1777951
Google Scholar

Glaesser, D. (2003). Crisis Management in the Tourism Industry. London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080454801
Google Scholar

Helbe, M., Fink, A. (2020). Reviving tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ADB Briefs, 150. http://dx.doi.org/10.22617/BRF200245-2
Google Scholar

Horák, S. (2014). Visa regimes and regulatory documents as an obstacle for tourism development in Central Asia. In: K. Kantarci, M. Uysal, V.P. Magnini (eds), Tourism in Central Asia: Cultural potential and challenges (pp. 233–258). New York: Apple Academic Press.
Google Scholar

Huang, J., Chuang, S., Lin, Y. (2008). Folk religion and tourist intention avoiding tsunami-affected destinations. Annals Tourism Research, 35 (4), 1074–1078. Retrieved from: https://ir.nctu.edu.tw/bitstream/11536/17746/1/000261931700011.pdf
Google Scholar

Ivanova, M., Ivanov, I.K., Ivanov, S. (2020). Travel behaviour after the pandemic: The case of Bulgaria. Anatolia, 32 (1), 111. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2020.1818267
Google Scholar

Jonas, A., Mansfeld, Y., Paz, S., Potasman, I. (2011). Determinants of health risk perception among low-risk-taking tourists traveling to developing countries. Journal of Travel Research, 50 (1), 87–99. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287509355323
Google Scholar

Kaushal, V., Srivastava, S. (2020). Hospitality and tourism industry amid COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives on challenges and learnings from India. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 92, 102707. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102707
Google Scholar

Koh, S.G.M., Kwok, A.O.J. (2017). Regional integration in Central Asia: Rediscovering the Silk Road. Tourism Management Perspectives, 22, 64–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.01.002
Google Scholar

Luo, J.M., Lam, C.F. (2020). Travel anxiety, risk attitude and travel intentions towards ‘travel bubble’ destinations in Hong Kong: Effect of the fear of COVID-19. International Journal Environmental Research Public Health, 17 (21), 7859. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217859
Google Scholar

Mansfeld, Y., Pizam, A. (2006). Towards a theory of tourism security. In: Y. Mansfeld, A. Pizam (eds), Tourism, safety & security, from theory to practice (pp. 1–27). Oxford: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7506-7898-8.50004-7
Google Scholar

Matiza, T. (2020). Post-COVID-19 crisis travel behaviour: towards mitigating the effects of perceived risk. Journal of Tourism Futures. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-04-2020-0063
Google Scholar

Neuburger, L., Egger, R. (2020). Travel risk perception and travel behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020: A case study of the DACH region. Current Issues in Tourism, 24 (7), 1003–1016. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2020.1803807
Google Scholar

Pappas, N. (2021). COVID-19: Holiday intentions during a pandemic. Tourism Management, 84, 104287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2021.104287
Google Scholar

Perić, G., Dramićanin, S., Conić, M. (2021). The impact of Serbian tourists’ risk perception on their travel intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. European Journal of Tourism Research, 27, 2705.
Google Scholar

Pine, R., McKercher, B. (2004). The impact of SARS on Hong Kong’s tourism industry. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 16 (2), 139–143. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110410520034
Google Scholar

Pizam, A., Fleischer, A. (2002). Severity versus frequency of acts of terrorism: Which has a larger impact on tourism demand? Journal of Travel Research, 40 (3), 337–339. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287502040003011
Google Scholar

Reisinger, Y., Mavondo, F. (2005). Travel anxiety and intentions to travel internationally: Implications of travel risk perception. Journal of Travel Research, 43 (3), 212–225. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0047287504272017
Google Scholar

Richter, L.K. (2003). International tourism and its global public health consequences. Journal of Travel Research, 41 (4), 340–347. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287503041004002
Google Scholar

Rittichainuwat, B.N., Chakraborty, G. (2009). Perceived travel risks regarding terrorism and disease: The case of Thailand. Tourism Management, 30 (3), 410–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2008.08.001
Google Scholar

Saidmamatov, O., Matyakubov, U., Rudenko, I., Filimonau, V., Day, J., Luthe, T. (2020a). Employing ecotourism opportunities for sustainability in the Aral Sea Region: Prospects and challenges. Sustainability, 12 (21), 9249. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219249
Google Scholar

Saidmamatov, O., Rudenko, I., Pfister, S., Koziel, J. (2020b). Water–energy–food nexus framework for promoting regional integration in Central Asia. Water, 12 (7), 1896. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12071896
Google Scholar

Saidmamatov, O., Matyakubov, U., Khodjaniyazov, E., Day, J., Ibadullaev, E., Chuponov, S., Bekjanov, D., Matniyozov, M., Matyusupov, B. (2021). TOWS analysis for sustainable ecotourism development and state support during the pandemic: The Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan. Turyzm/Tourism, 31 (1), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.18778/0867–5856.31.1.16
Google Scholar

Santus, K.D., Shohel, Md.N. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on tourism: Perceptions from Bangladesh. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3632798
Google Scholar

Schroeder, A., Pennington-Gray, L., Kaplanidou, K., Zhan, F. (2013). Destination risk perceptions among U.S. residents for London as the host city of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Tourism Management, 38, 107–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2013.03.001
Google Scholar

Seabra, C., Dolnicar, S., Abrantes, J.L., Kastenholz, E. (2013). Heterogeneity in risk and safety perceptions of international tourists. Tourism Management, 36, 502–510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2012.09.008
Google Scholar

Sharun, K., Tiwari, R., Natesan, S., Yatoo, M.I., Malik, Y.S., Dhama, K. (2020). International travel during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications and risks associated with ‘travel bubbles.’ Journal of Travel Medicine, 27 (8), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taaa184
Google Scholar

Sönmez, S.F., Graefe, A. (1998). Influence of terrorism risk on foreign tourism decisions. Annals of Tourism Research, 25 (1), 112–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(97)00072-8
Google Scholar

Taohong, L., Hong, S., Zhenzhi, Y., Yun, R. (2020). Does the belt and road initiative boost tourism economy? Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 25 (3), 311–322. https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2019.1708758
Google Scholar

Turnšek, M., Brumen, B., Rangus, M., Gorenak, M., Mekinc, J., Štuhec, T.L. (2020). Perceived threat of COVID-19 and future travel avoidance: Results from an early convenient sample in Slovenia. Academica Turistica, 13 (1), 3–19. https://doi.org/10.26493/2335-4194.13.3-19
Google Scholar

UNCTAD (2020). Challenges, policy options, and the way forward: Economic diversification in selected asian landlocked developing countries (Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Turkmenistan). Retrieved from: https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/aldc2020d1_en.pdf (7.07.2021).
Google Scholar

UNESCO (2020). State Historical and Cultural Park ‘Ancient Merv.’ Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/886/ (5.01.2021)
Google Scholar

UNWTO (2020a). International tourism highlights international tourism continues to outpace the global economy. 1, 1–24. Retrieved from: https://www.unwto.org/international-tourism-growth-continues-to-outpace-the-economy (3.06.2021).
Google Scholar

UNWTO. (2020b). International tourist numbers could fall 60–80% in 2020. UNWTO reports. Retrieved from: https://www.unwto.org/news/covid-19-international-tourist-numbers-could-fall-60–80-in-2020 (27.06.2021).
Google Scholar

Wachyuni, S.S., Kusumaningrum, D.A. (2020). The effect of COVID-19 pandemic: How are the future tourist behavior? Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 33 (4), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.9734/jesbs/2020/v33i430219
Google Scholar

Wahlberg, A.F., Sjoberg, L. (2000). Risk perception and the media. Journal of Risk Research, 3 (1), 31–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/136698700376699
Google Scholar

Walas, B., Kruczek, Z. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on tourism in Kraków in the eyes of tourism entrepreneurs. Studia Periegetica, 30 (2), 79–95. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0014.3664
Google Scholar

Wilks, J. (2006). Continuing challenges for tourist health, safety and security. In: J. Wilks, D. Pendergast, P. Leggat (eds), Tourism in turbulent times (pp. 347–360). New York: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-044666-0.50030-0
Google Scholar

World Economic Forum (2015). The travel and tourism competitiveness report. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/TT15/WEF_Global_Travel&Tourism_Report_2015.pdf (29.05.2021).
Google Scholar

World Health Organization (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 (8.03.2020).
Google Scholar

World Tourism Forum Institute (2019). Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan finalizing negotiations on launching Silk Road visa. Retrieved from: https://worldtourismforum.net/uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-finalizing-negotiations-on-launching-silk-road-visa/ (10.02.2021).
Google Scholar

World Travel & Tourism Council (2020). Annual research: Key highlights. Kazakhstan. Retrieved from: https://www.wttc.org/economic-impact/country-analysis/country-data/ (4.01.2020).
Google Scholar

Zenker, S., Kock, F. (2020). The coronavirus pandemic – a critical discussion of a tourism research agenda. Tourism Management, 81, 104164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2020.104164
Google Scholar

Published

2021-12-31

How to Cite

Saidmamatov, O., Khodjaniyazov, E., Matyakubov, U., Ibadullaev, E., Bekjanov, D., Day, J., Marty, P., & Zhao, J. (2021). The impact of Central Asian tourists’ risk perception on their travel intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Turyzm/Tourism, 31(2), 133–154. https://doi.org/10.18778/0867-5856.31.2.08

Issue

Section

Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)