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Tourists’ Perceptions Regarding Traveling for Recreational or Leisure Purposes in Times of Health Crisis

Author

Listed:
  • Carmen-Mihaela Cretu

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania)

  • Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania)

  • Carmen-Gabriela Sirbu

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania)

  • Florentina Chitu

    (Faculty of International Business and Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Emanuel Ştefan Marinescu

    (Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Danubius University of Galati, 800654 Galati, Romania)

  • Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir

    (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
    Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia)

  • Daniela Monica Robu

    (Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Press Department of Danubius University of Galati, Danubius University, 800654 Galati, Romania)

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of tourists regarding traveling for recreational or leisure purposes in times of health crisis. All areas of activity have been affected by the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (associated with a disease called COVID-19), and all countries are experiencing health crises. The tourism industry, together with its associated fields, experienced a decline during this period that is still difficult to assess. This study examined intentions to travel in the current conditions imposed by the health crisis. Various measures have been recommended or imposed by governments to control the spread of COVID-19. Travel has been significantly influenced by such measures. However, people have various travel needs, from shopping to work and leisure to exploration. The data were collected through an online questionnaire survey addressed to the active population in Romania. The application of this questionnaire coincided with the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Romania. The conditions related to the degree of incidence of infections in the respondents’ areas and also the connection between the expression of the intention to travel and the protection conditions in the destination areas were analyzed. The entire study was based on office research, statistical analysis, case study methods, and analysis of empirical data obtained through the survey of the active population in Romania. The results explain the travel tendencies of Romanians in the following period. Fear of infection and perceived risk have significantly influenced travel behaviors, but intentions to travel for recreational or leisure purposes have been maintained. The results of this study could be useful in planning and rethinking the activities of the tourism industry in the coming period.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmen-Mihaela Cretu & Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu & Carmen-Gabriela Sirbu & Florentina Chitu & Emanuel Ştefan Marinescu & Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir & Daniela Monica Robu, 2021. "Tourists’ Perceptions Regarding Traveling for Recreational or Leisure Purposes in Times of Health Crisis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:15:p:8405-:d:602927
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. András Donát Kovács & Péter Gulyás & Jenő Zsolt Farkas, 2021. "Tourism Perspectives in National Parks—A Hungarian Case Study from the Aspects of Rural Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-18, October.
    3. Mirela Mazilu & Amalia Niță & Ionuț-Adrian Drăguleasa & Oana Mititelu-Ionuș, 2023. "Fostering Urban Destination Prosperity through Post COVID-19 Sustainable Tourism in Craiova, Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-27, August.
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    5. Andrei-Florin Băbăț & Mirela Mazilu & Amalia Niță & Ionuț-Adrian Drăguleasa & Mihaela Grigore, 2023. "Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index: From Theoretical Definition to Practical Analysis in Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-26, June.
    6. Mihaela-Iuliana Desculțu Grigore & Amalia Niță & Ionuț-Adrian Drăguleasa & Mirela Mazilu, 2024. "Geotourism, a New Perspective of Post-COVID-19-Pandemic Relaunch through Travel Agencies—Case Study: Bucegi Natural Park, Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-49, January.
    7. Ionuț-Adrian Drăguleasa & Amalia Niță & Mirela Mazilu & Gheorghe Curcan, 2023. "Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Trends of Major Agricultural Crops in Romania Using Interactive Geographic Information System Mapping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-25, October.
    8. Barbara Zanetti & Milena Verrascina & Francesco Licciardo & Giuseppe Gargano, 2022. "Agritourism and Farms Diversification in Italy: What Have We Learnt from COVID-19?," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-21, August.
    9. Silviu Gabriel Szentesi & Lavinia Denisia Cuc & Andrea Feher & Paul Nichita Cuc, 2021. "Does COVID-19 Affect Safety and Security Perception in the Hospitality Industry? A Romanian Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-19, October.

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