The impacts of social and economic crises on tourist behaviour and expenditure: an evolutionary approach

Abstract

Regardless of type, level and magnitude, a crisis has an effect on the tourism sector. Although numerous studies have investigated tourism crises, most of them concentrate on the increase and decrease in tourist arrival numbers. However, to date, little is known about the evolutionary differences in tourist behaviour caused by different types of crisis. This study investigates the underlying influence of financial and health-related crises on tourist profile, purpose of visit and expenditure patterns in Hong Kong's inbound tourism industry. The results indicate a variation in tourists’ sensitivity before, during and after crises in short- and long-haul markets. This difference is apparent in terms of age, purpose of visit and expenditure patterns in tourists. We found that the nature and phases of crises do not invariably influence tourists. Implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.