Tourist behaviour in a COVID-19 world: a New Zealand perspective

Abstract

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic is considered a “once in a century” public health shock that, at the time of writing, continues to have a profound impact on global tourism and New Zealand. The paper aims to assess how consumer behaviour trends changed using a trends analysis framework.Design/methodology/approachPositioning the paper in the prognosis–prediction paradigm from futures studies and using a trend analysis approach, the authors forecasted a series of tourist trends at the beginning of COVID-19 based upon a multitude of sources trends. Then, 12 months later, they reported on the accuracy of these forecasts.FindingsThe matrix identifies 15 trends based upon consumer behaviour changes, which are either dominant, slowed, advanced or arrested. The prognosis was largely correct, which was supported by evidence gathered 12 months later.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper uses a series of different data sources to reflect on the initial forecasts. To some, this may be an issue of rigor, but the authors argue that through triangulation, credibility and validity are increased.Originality/valueFirst, the evaluation matrix allows users to make sense of COVID-19 based upon the concepts of dominant, slowed, advanced or arrested trends. Second, the matrix allows users to evaluate changes and movement of trends. Third, the trends featured in this paper could be generalisable to several different circumstances associated with simple identity. Fourth, this paper has tested the ability to predict trends in an uncertain environment within the context of the ontological paradigm of prognosis and prediction of futures states.

Guest editorial: The re-imagination of New Zealand tourism

“…Expanding further on from Yeoman et al (2022b) paper about tourism trends, the authors also address the importance of family and domestic tourism (Yeoman et al , 2022a). They identify four trends that are of importance Simplicity: In search of slow; Mercurial consumption; Localism; Staycation; Healthy habits; Is it safe to come out?…”

“…As New Zealand's borders were closed, the only tourism industry was a domestic one. Yeoman et al (2022b) explored domestic tourists' thinking and their behaviour during COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021. Using a prognosis-prediction paradigm from futures studies and a trend analysis approach, the authors forecast a series of tourist trends at the beginning of COVID-19 based upon a multitude of sources.…”

Global Perspective of Consumer Behaviour During Covid-19

“…During the spread of the virus besides the change towards online transaction noticeable fluctuations could be observed in consumers' purchase behavior. Consumers ominously plunged their self-confidence (Yeoman et al, 2022) for which preferences has shifted to value-based purchasing by obtaining maximum benefits compared to the money spent which make them tend to expend more for essentials compared to discretionary costs. This vital change in shopping primacies will be prevailing for longer period of time.…”

“…Value based shopping appeared in consumer decision-making which has make them stopped to buy all non-essential purchases and being more selective has converted the priority. A significant change in purchase behavior occurred as consumers inclined to save, become economical, thoughtful and deals with bargaining (Yeoman et al, 2022). People started to fascinate in cognizant consumption behavior (Kim et al, 2022) throughout the world.…”

“…Numerous academicians and experts have extensively conferred COVID-19 in different parts of the world (Kunimura, 2020;Sheth, 2020;Oana, 2020;Tyagi & Pabalkar, 2021;Watson & Popescu, 2021). Most of the studies covered the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality sector (Nigar & Miah, 2020;Hassan & Ferdaus, 2022;Yeoman et al, 2022). Some of these showed the revealed impact of COVID-19 on online shopping (Alam, 2020;Neger & Uddin, 2020;Pham et al, 2020;Gu et al, 2021).…”