Understanding the Impact of Conflict on Risk Perceptions and Travel Behaviour: Attitudes of Dutch Pilgrims and Tourists towards Palestine

Abstract

This research aims to get a better understanding of the impact of conflict on risk perceptions and attitudes of affecting Dutch travel behaviour towards Palestine. The research process involved an online self-administered method created with one of the leading research and web-based survey tools called Qualtrics. The questionnaire was filled in by 462 respondents. Findings indicate that Palestine is perceived as an unsafe destination to travel to. Palestine is perceived as moderately appealing as a holiday destination. The weather, price, culture, and religious features are seen as important factors which are appealing to Palestine as a holiday destination. The respondents who had past travel experiences in Palestine the most were likely to revisit the destination. The advice given by friends and relatives is seen as the most trustworthy information source. Traveling with an organised tour and traveling in a group are seen as the most effective risk reduction strategies which can be applied during the trip and, therefore, could have implications for Destination Management Organisations.