The effect of COVID-19 on tourists' attitudes and travel intentions: an empirical study on camping/glamping tourism in Turkey during COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose In this study, visitors' attitudes and behavioural intentions towards camping/glamping tourism in Turkey during the pandemic were investigated using the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The model has been extended to include constructs such as risk perception and risk aversion attitudes that stem from COVID-19 to predict visitors' attitudes and behavioural intentions. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through an online questionnaire from 432 participants who have experience and interest in camping/glamping tourism in Turkey. The responses were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings The findings show that besides the basic TPB structures, other added variables also significantly affect visitors' attitudes and intentions. Moreover, it has been observed that the risk perception and risk aversion attitude derived from COVID-19 increase negative emotions in visitors and decreased behavioural intentions. Research limitations/implications The results of the study are discussed for future research as well as its academic and practical implications. Originality/value This theoretical expansion is thought to increase the theory's predictive power in predicting visitors' behaviour during the pandemic.