The COVID-19 pandemic's impacts on Valle de Bravo tourism from the residents' perspective

Abstract

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in travel restrictions, which have had a significant direct impact on tourism destinations. This research explored the pandemic's effect on tourism activities in Valle de Bravo, Mexico from the residents' perspective using questionnaires, interviews, and negativity bias theory. According to this theory, negative impacts have a greater weight than positive ones. The results indicate that, while residential tourists have helped alleviate the cost of controlling the pandemic in this tourism destination, residents perceive the negative effects as more significant. The findings provide first-hand information that should facilitate the introduction of more appropriate strategies that can expediate stakeholders' decision-making processes.