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.

Automated summary

The tourism industry is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the global spread of COVID-19. Research shows that socio-demographic variables can impact individuals' sense of control and vacation intention, with older respondents and those in poorer health conditions showing less intention to vacation after the pandemic.