ABSTRACT
This chapter provides insight into traveling changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. Tourism is globally one of the most severely hit industries by the pandemic and the drastic restrictions in travel, commuting, and spatial freedoms are clear examples of changes implemented by national governments. The chapter reviews key characteristics of the COVID-19 spread in Finland and provides a selection of key geographical concepts through which the pandemic impact on tourism is assessed. The data are state-of-the-art open data statistics currently available in Finland. Tourism data are applied on a regional level in order to demonstrate the depth of significantly diminished customer demand in the number of nightly stays and length per visit. The chapter also provides snapshot examples of the most tourist dependent regions such as Lapland. The results indicate that domestic tourism has a limited capability to support the whole industry. The overall impact of COVID-19 was negative in every region of the country. In terms of international tourists, the demand level practically declined to zero due to global travel limitations and lockdowns. International traveling from abroad to Finland was almost solely international migrant workers. Their impact on short term housing and accommodation demand may be considered limited during the pandemic. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: First, the key vulnerability factors from the literature are identified. Second, using the vulnerability factors as indicators, a composite index is developed. Last, from the index values, a set of vulnerability knowledge maps, showing the vulnerability hotspots, are prepared. Design/methodology/approach: This study aims to develop a pandemic vulnerability knowledge visualisation index to support the strategic decision-making efforts of authorities. Findings: Ten indicators are identified as vulnerability factors that could significantly impact the virus spread risks. Verifying the identified hotspots against the recorded infected cases and deaths has evidenced the usefulness of the index. Determining and visualising the high-vulnerability locations and communities could help in informed strategic decision-making and responses of the authorities to the pandemic. Originality/value: The study demonstrates that the developed pandemic vulnerability knowledge visualisation index is particularly appropriate in the context of Australia. Nonetheless, by replicating the methodologic steps of the study, customised versions can be developed for other country contexts. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.