A Review of the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 towards Travellers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted businesses and industries worldwide, including the tourism and hospitality industry. Border closures and safety policies affected tourism activities which resulted in a decrease or no tourist arrivals. This paper reviews the impacts of COVID-19, specifically the psychological impacts on future travel intention postpandemic travel restrictions. By using a bibliometric analysis, a total of 30 papers about the scope of the study were identified from 2021 -2022. This review identified fear, anxiety and stress impacts that were discussed sparsely throughout the period. This presents a wider implication for destination stakeholders in understanding the shift in travel behaviour postpandemic. Additionally, this review provides a deeper understanding of the psychological impacts of COVID-19 towards destination promotion and management.