Search Results (99)

Immersive technologies (IMTs) have significantly impacted the tourism sector by offering experiences that enhance engagement with destinations. Although previous research confirms that IMT affects travelers’ behavioral intentions, there is a lack of studies specifically focusing on the post-experience context of agritourism and the factors contributing to technological resistance. This study introduces a conceptual model that combines the Diffusion of Innovation framework, the technology acceptance model, and the psychological factors related to innovation resistance to examine the decision-making processes of IMT users in the post-experience context of agritourism. The research model is evaluated through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques involving 400 users who engaged with IMT for a duration not exceeding 3 months. The findings indicate that the amount of storytelling content, which enhances engagement in agritourism, significantly affects users’ perceptions of IMT and their intentions to revisit and continue using IMT. Additionally, factors related to compatibility, along with privacy and security risks, influence the reluctance or readiness to adopt IMT and the decision to revisit a destination. These findings contribute to the understanding necessary to develop content and apply IMT in the agritourism sector to promote long-term sustainability. Full article

Psychological theory often reminds us that the best predictor of an individual’s future behavior is their prior behavior. Then, the pandemic happened in 2020, and at least for travel behavior and tourism consumption, everything seemed to change, stressing the importance of re-evaluating predictors. In the present study, we aimed to compare the history of travel behavior and tourism consumption with the predicted travel behavior of students coming from Generation Z, along with intrapersonal characteristics influencing risk perception, like psychological resilience and perceived invulnerability. The findings revealed that the pandemic changed the attitude towards travel for tourism-related purposes in both positive and negative directions, restructuring the attitude towards travel for the majority and also revealing many new prospective travelers. Psychological resilience was a significant variable that differentiated the respondents who changed their attitude towards tourism from those who remained consistent in their non-travel behavior and students who planned to travel more during the pandemic. Although subsamples also differed in the mean value of perceived invulnerability, the variable did not prove statistically significant. Almost 50% of the students predicting that they will travel abroad for non-tourism-related purposes in the future year were students who had not traveled abroad before the pandemic. Full article

In an era of increasing global uncertainty, tourism destinations face significant challenges due to political instability and social unrest, which shape travelers’ perceptions and decision making. This study examines the relationship between perceived risk, resilience, and destination choice, focusing on the extent to which political and social conditions influence travel intentions. Using the social amplification of risk framework (SARF) and a quantitative survey, this research identifies key determinants of tourism resilience and risk perception management. Our findings indicate that political instability, safety concerns, and negative media coverage deter travelers, while effective crisis communication, strong governance, and high-quality public services can enhance a destination’s appeal. Based on these findings, the study recommends that destination marketers and tourism policymakers invest in targeted safety communication, service quality improvements, and strategies that address the specific concerns of more risk-sensitive demographics, such as women. The study offers strategic insights for destination marketers, tourism policymakers, and hospitality stakeholders on how to mitigate perceived risks and foster resilience in tourism-dependent economies. Future research could explore cross-cultural traveler behavior and incorporate perspectives from tourism professionals to further inform resilience strategies. By addressing these challenges, destinations can develop sustainable strategies to navigate crises and maintain competitiveness in an unpredictable global landscape. Full article

Risk perception and travel behavior under extreme weather have attracted increasing scholarly attention due to their implications for sustainable transport. This study investigates how perceived risks influence commuters’ travel mode choices during heavy rainfall in Qingdao, China, using data from a pilot survey and a stated choice experiment. A Range-varying Generalized Weberian Regret–Rejoice Model (RGWRRM) is developed to capture nonlinear perceptual sensitivities and decision-making under uncertainty. Results indicate that safety and reliability risks significantly shape travel behavior, with commuters showing heightened loss aversion and increased willingness to pay for safer and more dependable modes. The RGWRRM outperforms traditional utility- and regret-based models, offering deeper behavioral insights. By elucidating the mechanisms linking risk perception to mode shifts, this study contributes to the design of resilient and sustainable urban transport strategies in the face of climate-induced disruptions. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the holiday plans of many people. Whether it was due to travel bans or the fear of contracting the infection, people modified, among other aspects, their chosen destination, travel transport, accommodations, length of stay, and activities to be undertaken during the stay. In this context, we aim to disentangle the effect of these changes on tourist satisfaction. Previous research on the effects of COVID-19 on the tourism sector has studied the shrinkage of tourism demand, changes in tourist behaviour and adaptation processes on the supply side. Nonetheless, few works have analysed changes in tourists’ plans. Two main hypotheses have been put forward. First, tourists might be dissatisfied given that they could not attain their holiday expectations. In contrast, the second hypothesis suggests that those individuals who changed their holiday plans might be more satisfied because they diminished their perceived risk of contagion. We have used data drawn from a survey of tourists (N = 2009) who visited Costa Daurada, a very popular Mediterranean coastal destination just after the end of the Spanish lockdown. Then, statistically significant differences in satisfaction levels between the groups that altered their plans and those who did not are assessed by means of Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Results signal that tourists were not more dissatisfied when they had modified their initial holiday plans. Indeed, the overall satisfaction of those visitors who switched their initial destination to travel to Costa Daurada was slightly lower, and the difference was significant, compared to the ones who were planning to travel there from the very beginning. Satisfaction was not significantly lower for those who changed their holiday plans in the case of the rest of the items analysed (transportation, length of stay, accommodation, and overall activities). On the contrary, in the case of activities, changes apparently contributed to mitigate the risk perception and led to a better tourist experience. Results also suggest that tourists were willing to adapt to a new situation in order not to renounce their holidays. In terms of implications for destination management and stakeholders, the main conclusion is that continuous cooperation and mutual trust are key to adapting to turbulent environments in which risk perception becomes central. Full article

Micro-mobility, which includes small, lightweight vehicles such as bicycles, electric scooters, and electric bikes, has emerged as a key component of modern urban transportation over the last decade. ESs have transformed how people navigate cities by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport, improving last-mile connectivity, and reducing traffic congestion. However, they also present challenges related to safety, infrastructure, and regulation. The rising crash rates involving electric scooters pose a significant public safety concern, driven by their novelty and limited research on associated risks. This study investigates factors influencing the adoption and use of electric scooter-sharing services, emphasizing risk perception, cultural norms, technological familiarity, and physical infrastructure. It also examines travel behaviors, common risks, and barriers to adoption. Using data from 254 Israeli participants, including 50 electric scooter users, the research highlights that 48% of users experienced near-miss incidents, and 38% used scooters on vehicular roads. The primary risk was identified as dangerous driver behavior on these roads, while the key barrier to adoption was a high perception of risk or low sense of safety. A structural equation model revealed that risk perception is influenced by gender-related attitudes and subjective norms, which indirectly diminish positive attitudes toward electric scooters and willingness to share and use them. The findings emphasize the importance of a safe physical infrastructure in fostering positive attitudes and promoting electric scooter use. This research provides valuable insights into mitigating risks and improving the adoption of electric scooters as a sustainable micro-mobility option. Full article

With consumers becoming increasingly aware of the effects of human activity on the environment, tourism products and destinations are increasingly marketed as sustainable and socially responsible. As most sustainable practices lead to additional costs, and tourists’ decisions tend to be price sensitive, achieving sustainability goals necessarily involves understanding how much more tourists are willing to pay for sustainable practices as well as the antecedents of such willingness to pay (WTP). The present study aims to advance knowledge on the antecedents of WTP for sustainable destinations (WTP-4-SD), for which it builds on previous studies employing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP). In this context, a theoretical model involving ecotourism attitudes, environmental beliefs, climate change-related risk perceptions (CC-RRP), environmental concern during trip (ECDT), and sustainable consumption behavior (SCB) as antecedents of WTP-4-SD is proposed. The model was tested based on data collected through an online survey from a sample of 847 Spanish and Portuguese Gen Z travelers and analyzed through Structural Equations Modeling (SEM). The findings suggest that a cohesive set of attitudes and beliefs regarding the man–nature relationship, the risks of climate change, and the role of tourism—which have been labeled “No Planet-B Attitudes”—is the main driver of WTP-4-SD. The effects of SCB and ECDT on WTP-4-SD have also been confirmed—although the latter is quite small—as well as those of No Planet-B Attitudes on both. The findings bring about insights into young travelers’ attitudes towards nature and the role of tourism in sustainable development, as well as useful implications for sustainable tourism planning and marketing. Full article

Construction workers are often subjected to strenuous manual labor, poor working conditions, and prolonged separation from family, leading to psychological symptoms such as stress, depression, and anxiety. These psychological factors, combined with safety climate elements like risk perception and safety attitude, significantly influence workers’ safety behaviors, including risk-taking, safety compliance, and safety participation. To address these issues, this study investigates the interplay between psychological symptoms, safety climate, and safety behaviors among construction workers in Mainland China. Data were collected through a survey of 160 construction workers, with results analyzed using correlation and regression techniques. The findings reveal that: (1) risky behavior is primarily driven by anxiety and risk perception; (2) safety participation is influenced by safety attitudes and levels of depression; and (3) safety compliance is affected by risk perception, safety attitude, stress, and depression. Interestingly, an inverse relationship is observed between depression and both risky behavior and safety compliance. These results underscore the importance of addressing psychological well-being to improve safety outcomes. Practical implications include providing psychological counseling, stress management training, and improving social connections for workers, such as facilitating regular video calls with family members or offering travel reimbursements. Full article

This study used ANCOVA models to investigate how pandemic characteristics—spreading speed, severity, and vaccination requirements—affect travel intentions. The results reveal that these factors explain 31.7% of the variance in travel decisions, with disease-spreading speed and severity being the most significant determinants. While vaccination requirements are relevant, they play a secondary role compared to the immediate threat of disease characteristics. The interaction effects between these factors further demonstrate their combined impact on travel reluctance. Demographic variables, such as gender and the presence of children, also influence decisions in specific contexts. These findings contribute to the understanding of risk perception during health crises, reinforcing the role of perceived severity in shaping cautious travel behavior. Practical implications for the tourism industry include the need for transparent communication, tailored health protocols, and demographic-specific marketing strategies. Future research should explore broader factors and adopt longitudinal approaches to capture evolving travel intentions during pandemics. Full article

This research, conducted as part of the European project PA-MAP (Participatory Approach to Monitoring Air Quality in Urban Environments), investigates citizens’ perceptions of air pollution in two European cities: Turin (Italy) and Dublin (Ireland). We systematically collected social data through semi-structured surveys distributed via online platforms. Our aim was to gather comprehensive information on the perception of pollution sources and the effectiveness of control systems. We examined citizens’ habits and their suggestions to improve air quality. The results revealed the following: (1) In Turin, the perception of air pollution significantly influences individuals’ self-assessments of health. Consequently, increased vigilance is required to mitigate environmental health risks and to disseminate information on air quality and effective practices for reducing air pollution. (2) The use of sustainable transportation in Turin is hindered due to the inadequate maintenance of cycling infrastructure. Citizens prefer to use cars or trains, which facilitate rapid travel. (3) In Dublin, greater sensitivity to the problem of air pollution has emerged, and the use of sustainable means of transport is facilitated via ad hoc infrastructure. These results provide empirical evidence to policymakers to support the promotion of concrete local actions through which to improve air quality. Full article

COVID-19 was a defining moment of the 21st century, causing major disruptions to tourism and global mobility. Travel patterns have changed significantly, influencing people’s perception of travel. This study aims to explore how COVID-19 affected the travel intentions of the Portuguese. The research is based on a questionnaire administered to 762 individuals, using structural equation modeling with partial least squares. In general, individuals have a reasonable perception of fear of the consequences of COVID-19, risk, and travel behavior and do not appear to have anxiety or fear of traveling. As for their intention to travel, they seem to have intentions. The results of this analysis demonstrate that fear of traveling, and travel behavior directly influence travel intentions and, indirectly, through fear of the consequences of COVID-19, anxiety, fear of traveling, and perceived travel risk. This study is particularly relevant for entities that manage and monitor the travel intentions of their clients and consumers, especially in the travel and tourism sector. It aims to more effectively meet the needs and desires of travelers, in addition to formulating strategies that promote the recovery of tourism in the post-pandemic period. The added value of research lies in its potential to guide strategic decision-making and policy formulation. Full article

Road–rail intermodal transportation (RRIT) leverages the advantages of multiple transport modes and is crucial for addressing the current issue of imbalanced development in the transportation sector. However, passengers’ behavior in choosing RRIT remains unclear, and it is necessary to optimize travel service quality through analyzing RRIT choice behavior based on user perceptions. This study designed a stated preference experiment that included both direct and multi-modal travel options. A hybrid choice model considering attitude variables was constructed, and four latent attitude variables—convenience, economy, comfort, and riskiness—were extracted to analyze their impact on intercity travel mode choice behavior under conditions of ticket booking uncertainty. The results revealed that the ticket booking success rate is a critical factor in travelers’ decision-making. Passengers tend to choose travel options with higher ticket booking success rates, even if it entails a slight increase in the ticket prices for the high-speed rail to high-speed rail transfer option. The attitude variables significantly influence intercity travel mode choice behavior, with travelers generally exhibiting a preference for risk avoidance in their travel options. Moreover, there are differences among various groups of travelers in their preferences and demands for the convenience, economy, and comfort aspects of travel options. These research findings can enhance our understanding of the key factors influencing the selection of RRIT services, thereby supporting RRIT designers and planners in improving service quality and facilitating the future growth of RRIT. Full article

Shared mobility platforms have built scalable digital marketplaces that facilitate the allocation and sharing of transportation and promote sustainable urban travel. Generation Z’s attitude toward shared consumption is closely linked to their perceptions of the importance of sustainability. This study identifies Generation Z’s awareness of shared mobility platforms in India and the factors that influence their use. Data were collected from 318 respondents from Generation Z in India and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings indicate that Generation Z’s intention to use shared mobility is influenced by environmental consciousness, social aspects, economic benefits, and perceived risks. Results also show that perceived risks have an indirect effect on intention, which is mediated by attitude. The novel conceptual model developed and tested in this research can be used to inform policies and business models for the adoption of shared mobility services for Generation Z, ultimately promoting more sustainable transportation systems and improved urban mobility. Full article

Urban traffic congestion has become an increasingly serious problem, and the transportation industry is gradually becoming a high-energy-consuming industry. Intelligent Transportation System (ITSs) that integrate technologies such as electronic sensing, data transmission, and intelligent control have emerged as a new approach to fundamentally solving transportation problems. As one of the cores of intelligent transportation systems, multi-vehicle formation technology has the advantage of promoting vehicle information interaction, improving vehicle mobility, and enhancing traffic conditions. Due to the high cost and risk of conducting multi-vehicle formation experiments using real vehicles, experimenting with intelligent vehicles has become a viable option. Based on the leader–follower formation strategy, this study designed an intelligent vehicle formation system using the Arduino platform. It utilizes infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and photoelectric encoders to perceive information about the vehicle fleet and the road. Information is aggregated to the master vehicle through ZigBee communication modules. The controller of the master vehicle applies a PID algorithm, combined with a differential steering model, to solve the speed instructions for each vehicle in the fleet. Motion control instructions are then transmitted to each slave vehicle through ZigBee communication modules, enabling the automatic adjustment of the fleet’s traveling speed and spacing. Additionally, a Bluetooth app has been designed for users to monitor and control the movement status of the fleet dynamically in real time. Experimental verification has shown that this research effectively improves intelligent fleets’ capabilities in environmental perception, intelligent decision-making, collaborative control, and motion execution. It also enhances road traffic efficiency and safety, providing new ideas and methods for the development of autonomous driving technology. Full article

Despite efforts to increase childhood vaccination coverage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), approximately 20% of infants have not started their routine immunization schedule (zero-dose). The present study aims to evaluate the relative influence of geospatial access to health facilities and caregiver perceptions of vaccines on the vaccination status of children in rural DRC. Pooled data from two consecutive nationwide immunization surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 were used. Geographic accessibility was assessed based on travel time from households to their nearest health facility using the AccessMod 5 model. Caregiver attitudes to vaccination were assessed using the survey question “How good do you think vaccines are for your child?” We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between geographic accessibility, caregiver attitudes toward vaccination, and their child’s vaccination status. Geographic accessibility to health facilities was high in rural DRC, with 88% of the population living within an hour’s walk to a health facility. Responding that vaccines are “Bad, Very Bad, or Don’t Know” relative to “Very Good” for children was associated with a many-fold increased odds of a zero-dose status (ORs 69.3 [95%CI: 63.4–75.8]) compared to the odds for those living 60+ min from a health facility, relative to <5 min (1.3 [95%CI: 1.1–1.4]). Similar proportions of the population fell into these two at-risk categories. We did not find evidence of an interaction between caregiver attitude toward vaccination and travel time to care. While geographic access to health facilities is crucial, caregiver demand appears to be a more important driver in improving vaccination rates in rural DRC. Full article