THE INVESTIGATION OF THE CONSUMERS’ TOURISM PREFERENCES IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Aim: The new coronavirus (COVID-19) which is rapidly spreading and affecting the whole world, has had significant effects on consumer behavior as in almost every society and industry. Especially, it is expected the fact that the global panic that occurs during the pandemic will impact the tourism sector in this process, change the holiday tourism preferences of the consumers, that consumers will be more selective. The study aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism preferences of the consumers. Methods: Within the scope of the research, 403 people were reached with the online survey application and the data were analyzed with the Jamovi (version 1.2.12.0) statistical program. Findings: In the correlation analysis, it was found that there are significant relationships between expressions. The items with the highest relationship are "Infirmary and Medical Services (Doctor) at the Facility" and "Hospitals and Other Medical Institutions in the Region Where the Facility is Located." (r= .764); “Health Precautions Taken for Pandemic in the Facility/Area” and “Cleaning and Hygiene of the Facility” (r= .523). Conclusion: According to the results, the participants think that cleaning/hygiene and health precautions in the facility/area are more important than entertainment and activities in holiday preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic.