JOURNAL OF DESTINATION MARKETING & MANAGEMENT

Optimal-fit model of risk perception and travel-related behaviors during a global pandemic

Liu-Lastres, Bingjie; Yang, Yang; Zhang, Carol X.

Abstract

Risk perception research plays a critical role in tourism studies, given its ability to shape the appeal and viability of destinations. There has been a surge in research on tourism risk perception and travel-related behaviors due to the pandemic. This context offers a unique opportunity to review and aggregate risk perception studies to identify behavior patterns and changes. Accordingly, this study adopted the PSALSAR framework to analyze these studies, which consists of a synthesized literature review and a meta-analysis of tests involving competing theoretical models. The synthesis revealed the various behavioral outcomes and diverse theoretical backgrounds included in the sample. Our meta-analysis uncovered the model with an optimal fit and delineated the relationships among tourists’ cognitive and affective risk perceptions, efficacy beliefs, and behavior across different stages. This study offers theoretical and empirical insights into the effects of tourists’ risk perception attitude variables. Findings can inform more effective tourism crisis management strategies for destination management and marketing.

Keywords

Risk perception; Tourist behavior; Decision making; Meta-analysis; Literature review; Competing model testing; PSALSAR framework

Research topic

Sustainability and Resilience

Research method

Meta-analysis

Geographic area

Global

AI Audio Overview

AI Infographic

Extra Information

MASEM Tool of Risk Perception and Travel Behavior [link]

Additional links for this paper

ResearchGate

Publisher Website

Web of Science

HOW TO CITE

Liu-Lastres, B., Yang, Y., & Zhang, C. X. (2024). Optimal-fit model of risk perception and travel-related behaviors during a global pandemic. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 34, 100958.

Additional Reads

2026

Comparative Advantage

Theories and Models in Tourism and Hospitality Research

2026

Customer gratitude and employee work behaviors

TOURISM MANAGEMENT

2026

Together through thick and thin: How does the survival of neighboring restaurants matter?

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT