The impact of risk perceptions on tourists’ revisit intention: the case of COVID-19 and Fiji

ABSTRACT

The tourism industry is fragile as it is prone to numerous risks such as the outbreak of deadly viruses, and natural and human-made disasters. These risks have a significant impact on tourists’ decisions when choosing a destination and while in a destination. This paper investigates the risks perceived by Australian tourists and how these risks affect their intention to revisit the Pacific Island Country of Fiji. Through a quantitative survey with 301 tourists, augmented by qualitative interviews conducted among management of hotels, as well as the DMO, the results show that tourists continue to perceive Fiji as a relatively safe destination however there are increased in the perceptions of risk concerning disease risk and financial risk.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• risk perceptions
• revisit intentions
• Fiji islands
• Pacific
• Disasters

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jyotika Chand Nair

Jyotika Chand Nair completed her Masters of Commerce in Tourism & Hospitality Management from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji. She has numerous years’ experience in the hotel and airline sector.

Stephen Pratt

Stephen Pratt is Professor and Department Chair of Tourism, Events and Attractions at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida. He completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. He obtained a Bachelor of Economics and Masters of Economics from the University of Sydney. His research interests include sustainable tourism development (economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism), tourism in small island states and tourist behavior. Stephen is an Executive Council Member of International Association for Tourism Economics.