Social costs of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is currently spreading across the world at an alarming rate, resulting in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Amidst this crisis, tourism scholars are directing their attention to communities at tourist destinations, looking at their safety and well-being and the costs that they will bear due to the cessation of tourism activity. This article describes residents' perceptions of the risks posed by tourism activity, and estimates their willingness to pay to reduce public health risks based on hypothetical scenarios, using the triple-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method. The social costs in three urban destinations are assessed and compared. Based on the findings, suggestions are made for appropriate post-pandemic recovery actions by local authorities and tourism organizations.

Highlights

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  The study examines potential impacts of tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic.

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  Residents' willingness to pay for pandemic risk reduction is estimated.

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  The factors that influence residents' willingness to pay are identified.

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  The demand curves and social costs are estimated.

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  Recovery strategy should involve residents with different demographic attributes.