Travelling abroad or domestically? The effects of belief in karma and anxiety on post-pandemic travelling intention among Chinese tourists

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected tourists' travelling intention, especially regarding foreign destinations. Amid this health emergency, many studies have explored the psychological antecedents of tourists' intention to travel. However, none has investigated the role of belief in karma. The present research is the first to examine the influence of this cultural factor on tourists' post-pandemic intention to travel abroad rather than domestically. A survey study with 1,586 Chinese respondents showed that stronger belief in karma is associated with a decreased intention to travel abroad, and this negative relationship is mediated by pandemic-related anxiety toward travelling. Our findings also carry theoretical and managerial implications.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourists' intention to travel, especially to foreign destinations. Previous studies have not investigated the influence of belief in karma. This research is the first to examine the impact of this cultural factor on tourists' post-pandemic intention to travel abroad. A survey of 1,586 Chinese respondents showed that a stronger belief in karma is associated with a decreased intention to travel abroad, and this is mediated by pandemic-related anxiety towards travel. Our findings have theoretical and managerial implications.