The Empirical Research on Managing Consumer Behaviour and Making Decisions in Tourism while the COVID-19 Pandemic Affection

Abstract

The importance of the research stems from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the experience economy in general, and the tourism industry in particular, as well as changes in tourism's contribution to the global economy. The objective of the research is to evaluate how the coronavirus pandemic has influenced the experience economy through the prism of changes it might cause in the operations of tourism enterprises. The object of the research is how the tourism market functions in terms of a pandemic. The subject of the research is the potential influence of the coronavirus pandemic on tourism operations. The following research methods are applied: tabular, graphical, statistical, abstract-logical, method of comparative analysis, method of synthesis, survey, documentary analysis, cross-analysis. The prerequisites for the experience economy's formation are described; tourism as a part of the experience economy is portrayed. The coronavirus pandemic potential influence of the experience economy is assessed; tourism was evaluated as a part of the global economy by showing its contribution to global GDP and share in the global world’s exports. The evaluation of the carried out survey is given in order to assess society’s response to the changes in travel norms due to COVID-19 and to understand what peculiarities tourism firms should consider. The critical issues that tourism enterprises must address are: a significant decrease in local and international travel (due to governmental restrictions) despite their revenue level; growing demand for promotions and sales despite tourist enterprise losses during the COVID-19 pandemic; and the emergence of a number of formalities as a result of the pandemic. Even though given matters are growing, the pandemic has stimulated a desire for real experience among the population. Weighing up all the arguments, we suggest consideration of cancellation policies, refund procedures, and different insurance possibilities as the directions for further research in the given field.