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Understanding Romanian Generational Preferences and Travel Decision-Making When Choosing a Rural Destination

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  • Andra Ramona Poruțiu

    (Department of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Anca Monica Brata

    (Department of Engineering of Food Products, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania)

  • Diana E. Dumitras

    (Department of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Olivia Paula Oros

    (Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania)

  • Iulia C. Muresan

    (Department of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Horticulture and Business in Rural Development, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered consumer behavior and reshaped the tourism industry, particularly impacting travel destination choices. Pre-pandemic, travelers prioritized experiences and adventure, often overlooking health and safety concerns. However, during and after the pandemic, health, hygiene, and the COVID-19 situation emerged as crucial factors in choosing a rural destination, alongside economic considerations. The current study analyzed the tourists’ preferences in the North-West development region of Romania when choosing a rural destination. An online survey was conducted, and 563 questionnaires were validated in the end. The principal component analysis used to analyze the collected data led to a two-factor solution: “sanitary and administrative” and “economic and social”. Comparative analysis based on age showed significant differences in education, income, and family composition between Generation Y and Generation Z. Preferences for domestic destinations and participation in festivals were higher among Generation Z, while interest in international travel was comparable between the generations. These findings provide insights into the evolving travel behaviors and preferences of different age groups in the wake of the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Andra Ramona Poruțiu & Anca Monica Brata & Diana E. Dumitras & Olivia Paula Oros & Iulia C. Muresan, 2024. "Understanding Romanian Generational Preferences and Travel Decision-Making When Choosing a Rural Destination," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:10:p:4074-:d:1393652
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paulo Rita & Ana Brochado & Lyublena Dimova, 2019. "Millennials’ travel motivations and desired activities within destinations: A comparative study of the US and the UK," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(16), pages 2034-2050, October.
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