Post-COVID-19 Tourists’ Preferences, Attitudes and Travel Expectations: A Study in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Abstract

Expectations about a destination influence the tourist experience during the travel process stages. In the post-COVID-19 normalcy, people are adjusting their priorities and social values. Therefore, it becomes crucial to identify tourists’ expectations before traveling. The objectives of this research were: (a) identify the preferences of tourists; (b) establish the attitudes of tourists; and (c) determine the expectations of tourists for post-COVID-19 destination selection. The study analyzed a sample of 491 people during pandemic lockdowns in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Statistical techniques such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used in data analysis. The results show that after the pandemic, tourists prefer urban tourism, followed by cultural tourism and traveling with relatives. It also shows a more responsible and supportive attitude when traveling. Likewise, the results support the dimensional structure that explains a set of post-pandemic tourist expectations. Five factors were identified: Smart Care, pricing strategy, safety, comfort, and social distancing. Finally, the theoretical and managerial implications of the results that will guide for tourism destination managers were discussed.

What makes Indian domestic tourists crowd-friendly in the post-COVID-19 phase?

“…By offering an emic perspective, the study highlights the transformation in tourists’ behaviour and psyche. The social factor reported in the study also echoes an emerging demand for urban tourism, also reported by Orden-Mejía et al (2022). Further, the current study brings rigour to the existing theoretical framework of perceived crowding and social motivation theory by exploring the post-pandemic tourists’ perceptions and motivations using a qualitative approach.…”

“…Similarly, McKercher (2021) also reported that people are unlikely to avoid travelling during a crisis where it is part of their lifestyle. The findings, especially price affordability, convenience and safety correlate with Orden-Mejía et al (2022) who examined the tourists’ preferences, attitudes and expectations in Guatemala City post-COVID-19. Understandably, the tourists’ psychological and behavioural patterns (in travel-decision-making), of developed and developing economies (both Shimla and Guatemala) differ, indicating a need for more studies in the latter.…”

“…The finding correlated with Sun and Budruk (2015) that low prices prepare tourists to encounter crowds, thereby reducing the negative perception of crowding. Therefore, the advantage of convenience involved in travelling and lower prices influence tourists’ preferences (Orden-Mejía et al 2022) and help tourists to endure crowds. It implies that benefits sought in accessing the destination and availing services at affordable prices overcome the negative emotions stimulated otherwise in-crowd.…”

Young adult tourists’ intentions to visit rural community-based homestays

“…Push factors such as relaxation, adventure and escape can explain the initial thrill, energising or “push” to travel and can steer tourists to certain places (Su et al , 2020). COVID-19 has altered travellers’ preferences, attitudes and expectations (Orden-Mejía et al , 2022) and has emphasised push factors (Çolakoğlu et al , 2021). Also, past literature has addressed the significant impact of push factors on perceived value (Dean and Suhartanto, 2019).…”

Research on China’s Tourism Public Services Development from the Perspective of Spatial–Temporal Interactions and Based on Resilience Theory

“…Currently, due to the impact of COVID-19, the tourism industry is facing severe challenges such as prominent vulnerability and increased risk uncertainty [1][2][3]. Meanwhile, there are many supplies for tourism, and the potential tourism demand is still large [4][5][6].…”