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Empty Summer: International Tourist Behavior in Spain during COVID-19

Author

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  • José Antonio Donaire

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Tourism, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain)

  • Núria Galí

    (Department of History and Art History, Faculty of Tourism, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain)

  • Raquel Camprubi

    (Department of Business Organization and Management, Faculty of Tourism, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain)

Abstract

COVID-19 has led to the biggest tourism crisis in modern Spanish history. Although its borders were opened in June 2020, incoming international tourism to Spain was very low. Tourist behavior, however, has been very diverse between types of tourism. Data from credit card transactions showing tourist behavior in 33 destinations representative of various types of tourism were analyzed. Results show that differences in tourist behavior between destinations can be explained by risk perception and the proximity of the destination to home, which favors natural areas and charming coastal cities. This study contributes to the academic literature by studying the effective behavior of international tourists in the time of COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • José Antonio Donaire & Núria Galí & Raquel Camprubi, 2021. "Empty Summer: International Tourist Behavior in Spain during COVID-19," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4356-:d:535868
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Salesi, Vinolia Kilinaivoni & Kan Tsui, Wai Hong & Fu, Xiaowen & Gilbey, Andrew, 2022. "Strategies for South Pacific Region to address future pandemics: Implications for the aviation and tourism sectors based on a systematic literature review (2010–2021)," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 107-126.
    2. Jun Zhang & Shenghao Zhao & Chaonan Peng & Xianming Gong, 2022. "Spatial Heterogeneity of the Recovery of Road Traffic Volume from the Impact of COVID-19: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Andrzej Dudek & Daria Jaremen & Izabela Michalska-Dudek & Marek Walesiak, 2021. "Analysis of Changes in Shopping Behaviour of Package Holidays Purchasers Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 3), pages 691-707.
    4. Andrzej Dudek & Daria Elżbieta Jaremen & Izabela Michalska-Dudek, 2023. "Factors Determining ROPO Behaviors of Travel Agencies Customers during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-18, April.
    5. Lázaro Florido-Benítez, 2023. "English, German, and French Tourists Are Key to the Success of Andalusian Destinations (Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.
    6. Jeong-Joon Kim & Byeong-Cheol Lee & Hyo-Jeong Byun, 2022. "In the COVID-19 Era, When and Where Will You Travel Abroad? Prediction through Application of PPM Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-27, September.
    7. Noveri Maulana & Rifelly Dewi Astuti & Hariyadi B. Sukamdani & Prijono Tjiptoherijanto, 2022. "Risk Perception in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic Era: An Analysis of Tourist Accommodation and Travel Behavior in the New Normal Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-16, November.

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