Indonesian Netizens Travel Preferences and Behaviors Towards Tourism Activities Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Herlan Suherlan1, Nurdin Hidayah2, Fajar Kusnadi Kusumah Putra3*

1,2 Department of Tourism, Politeknik Pariwisata NHI Bandung, Indonesia

3 Department of Hospitality, Politeknik Pariwisata NHI Bandung, Indonesia
* fap[at]stp-bandung.ac.id

Abstract

This study explores the preferences attributes and behaviors of Indonesian Internet citizens (netizens) towards tourism activities post-COVID-19 pandemic. The quantitative method was employed. An online questionnaire was distributed to the participants using several online platforms such as websites, Facebook, Whats App, and Instagram. In total, 1008 respondents completed the questionnaires. This studys test processing and data analysis are helped using the IBM SPSS.24 using Kendalls coefficient of concordance. The result indicated that most participants prefer to do a short visit for one to two days during the weekend. They also prefer visiting more natural tourist attractions (i.e., mountains, forests, craters, beaches, and seaside) and cultural places (i.e., museums, galleries, traditional art performances). Respondents also prefer an online booking platform to arrange their trip, prioritizing cleanliness, health, and safety for activities and facilities provided. This study also revealed that the gender variable influences the sub-attributes of travel preferences, followed by travelers origin. On the other hand, age and income were relatively less dominant in influencing the tourism preference sub-attributes. This research can be valuable information to understand the traveler market behavior, especially preferences toward tourism post-COVID-19. The implication of this study can shed new light on tourism destination management and other tourism business to provide risk-free assurance from COVID-19 by preparing and follow health protocols. The limitation of this research is by use of online questionnaires. Further study can be conducted using longitudinal approach follow-up surveys to show whether preferences have remained consistent or changed. A follow-up study can be done through a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews to reveal other aspects that cannot be disclosed through the online questionnaire.

Keywords: Tourism, Post COVID-19, Travel preferences, Tourist behaviours, Netizens

Topic: Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship and Contemporary Issues