Should I stay or should I go? Global COVID-19 pandemic influence on travel intentions of Bulgarian residents

¹ South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Economics, Department of Tourism, 60 Ivan Mihaylov Str., 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
² Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Geology and Geography, Geography of Tourism Department, 15 Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: elka@gea.uni-sofia.bg

Abstract

Research background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unparalleled global lockdown and economic paralysis, with the travel and tourism sector being among the worst affected industries worldwide. This situation has set a lot of questions regarding the future of tourism and its re-shaping into a ‘new normality’, among which those referring to anticipated changes in tourist demand and behavior stand out. Such questions are empirical in nature and imply conducting of studies in various contexts in order to identify customers’ perceptions, attitudes, intentions, and real behavior patterns.

Purpose of the article: The paper presents results of a recent study of the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on travel intentions of Bulgarian citizens and discusses them in relation to other similar studies conducted in different countries.

Methods: The online survey covered 654 respondents and was completed in the period 9-16 April 2020, so the study results outline travel intentions at a relatively early stage of the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings & Value added: There was a strong impact of the global pandemic on travel at the time of the research but the findings indicate less significant influence on the respondents’ travel intentions for the future. While some of the outcomes support the generally expected consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, many are quite surprising and challenge existing anticipations for dramatic changes in tourist demand and behavior, at least in regards to Bulgarian customers.