The effect of COVID-19 perceptions on tourists’ attitudes, safety perceptions and destination images: moderating role of information sharing

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating and moderating processes that link crisis management to tourist attitude changes and hygiene/safety perceptions through destination image. Design/methodology/approach: Data from 524 tourists and structural equation models were used to examine the tourists’ perceptions of attitudes, safety perceptions and destination images in Taiwan. Findings: The effectiveness of crisis management may positively influence destination image through attitude changes and hygiene/safety perceptions. This study also confirms that information sharing may not only speed up the process of positive destination-image development but also strengthen relationships among the critical attributes of crisis management. Originality/value As the impact of the COVID-19 crisis continues, it is critical to understand the role of crisis management in destination image and identify how attitudes or behavior intentions can be affected in the fast-spreading network of information sharing in an increasingly competitive tourism and hospitality market. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.