Theoretical and Applied Economics (Sep 2020)
Considerations regarding the effects of COVID-19 on the tourism market
Abstract
Through this article, the authors aim to provide a detailed analysis of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on a part of the tourism sector, namely, the attitude that tourists have towards travel agencies and online platforms. While the situation on the tourism market is bleak, the conclusions lead us to the idea that, given the recent growing desires of tourists there is a chance of a systematic return. Through the research carried out on a sample of 435 people, the authors highlight the significant differences regarding the pre-purchase behavior of the tourist product, respectively the mode, travel booking, preferences, motivations of the tourist, in the context of the predominance of a specific factor during COVID-19 and post COVID-19 and respectively the trust in the tourist services/in the travel agencies in general. The results of this research can be a starting point for the analysis of other market segments in order to develop marketing strategies specific to the COVID-19/post COVID-19 period.