Effects of socio-demographics, sense of control, and uncertainty avoidability on post-COVID-19 vacation intention

Tourism industry is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the global spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, due to the novelty of the phenomenon, there is a shortage of studies exploring the effects of the pandemic on tourists’ reactions and, to date, no study has examined how certain individual differences might impact vacation intention after COVID-19. To contribute to this area of inquiry, this research focuses on a series of socio-demographic variables – i.e. age, gender, education, income, health status, and number of children – to investigate their influence on individuals’ sense of control, ability to avoid the uncertainty derived from the current health crisis, and vacation intention. The research predicts a chain of relationships whereby the socio-demographic variables influence individuals’ sense of control, which is positively associated with their perceived ability to avoid uncertainty. This perception, in turn, is positively related to vacation intention. A survey study conducted in Italy shows that older respondents and those in poorer health conditions feel less in control and able to avoid the situational uncertainty related to the pandemic; this feeling, in turn, decreases their intention to take a vacation as soon as the pandemic is over. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.