Jellyfish risk communications: The effect on risk perception, travel intentions and behaviour, and beach tourism destinations
Article
Article Title | Jellyfish risk communications: The effect on risk perception, travel intentions and behaviour, and beach tourism destinations |
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ERA Journal ID | 19653 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Crowley-Cyr, Lynda (Author), Gershwin, Lisa-ann (Author), Bremser, Kerstin (Author), Abraham, Villy (Author), Moreno-Martin, Maria J. (Author), Carreno, Mercedes (Author) and Wust, Kirsten (Author) |
Journal Title | Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Journal Citation | 51, pp. 196-206 |
Number of Pages | 11 |
Year | 2022 |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 1320-5161 |
1447-6770 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.03.002 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1447677022000456 |
Abstract | Jellyfish hazards at 3S destinations are underrepresented in tourism research. Using a novel conceptual model based on risk perception and destination image theories, we used an experimental setting to examine whether different types of jellyfish risk messages influenced people's travel intentions and behaviours. In addition, the study tested the influence of worry and culture. We sampled 415 prospective visitors to two of the world's most successful beach tourism destinations, the Costa Brava coastline of Spain and the Great Barrier Reef region of northern Australia, both adversely affected by the presence of jellyfish. At these unique destinations, contact with jellyfish can be painful and deadly. Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, fictitious vignettes were posted on an internet Travel Forum containing two different jellyfish risk messages, one informal and the other official. Participants' responses to these communications were tested. We found that risk messages influenced destination image but not travel intention. People from risk-averse Germanic European countries were more inclined to alter their behaviour by avoiding the water than other cultures. These findings add to the body of knowledge about the relationship between risk communications, risk perceptions and destination image. This study suggests that wildlife-associated risk communications can influence people's risk perceptions, but not sufficiently to change their travel plans. This knowledge is important in policy-making and managing responses to risk at tourism destinations. It is also important in building visitor trust and confidence, whereby tourists know that their safety and enjoyment are valued and are paramount to the destination. |
Keywords | Beach tourism destination; Jellyfish; Risk communication; Risk perception; Travel intention |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420604. Injury prevention |
480499. Law in context not elsewhere classified | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | School of Law and Justice |
University of Tasmania | |
Pforzheim University, Germany | |
Sapir Academic College, Israel | |
University of the Balearic Islands, Spain | |
Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q72yy/jellyfish-risk-communications-the-effect-on-risk-perception-travel-intentions-and-behaviour-and-beach-tourism-destinations
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