Changing Behaviour of Citizen Groups during the Corona Pandemic – Spatial Relevance for Consumer Spending, Mobility, and Travel

In the course of the pandemic triggered by the corona virus SARS-CoV-2 (hereinafter referred to as the corona pandemic), new and changed behaviors are appearing in citizen groups. These behaviors are particularly evident in the areas of consumer, mobility and travel behavior. The new behavioral patterns have a significant impact on (contact-intensive) companies, especially in the areas of retail, mobility companies (e.g. airlines, train companies, bus companies, rental car companies, etc.) as well as hotels and restaurants. In the medium and long-term view, permanent and irreversible effects on currently existing offerings and infrastructures could result from low utilization and thus have a lasting impact on and weaken the regional and local economic structure and crucial pillars of adding value at regional and local level. Relevant from a spatial and regional scientific point of view and of great research interest is the question of whether the economic and infrastructures, particularly in rural areas, may be at greater risk than in metropolitan regions and thus structural weaknesses in regions may tighten by the corona pandemic.