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COVID-19's fear-uncertainty effects on destination image and travelers’ environmental behavior post-coronavirus pandemic in Egypt: a multi-level moderation approach

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  • Ahmed Hamdy

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing
    Assiut University)

  • Jian Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of COVID-19's fear-uncertainty (CFU) on the perceived destination image (DI) and travelers' environmental behavior in a non-western context. Additionally, the research examined the role of destination social responsibility (DSR) and COVID-19 destination practices as multi-level moderators on our hypothesized relationships. Our research used a systematic random sampling method to get information from 608 international tourists who had been to Egypt within the last two years. The findings demonstrated that CFU significantly and negatively impacts the perceived DI. Likewise, it indicated that CFU and perceived DI positively impact travelers' environmental behavior. The results also show that the perceived DSR and COVID-19 destination practices lessen the negative effects of the CFU on the perceived DI. This study contributes to cognitive appraisal and social cognitive theory by looking at the role of CFU, DSR, and COVID-19 destination practices post-pandemic. Moreover, it offers insights into the factors that influence travelers' environmental behavior during post-crisis recovery and the restoration of destination image.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed Hamdy & Jian Zhang, 2025. "COVID-19's fear-uncertainty effects on destination image and travelers’ environmental behavior post-coronavirus pandemic in Egypt: a multi-level moderation approach," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 4591-4617, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04091-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04091-2
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