The tourist metasafety framework (TMF): Toward a holistic understanding of tourist safety

Abstract

This article introduces the Tourist Metasafety Framework, integrating state and trait safety for a holistic view of tourist safety. Utilizing LDA, Study 1 analyzed 650 tourist interviews, revealing three dimensions of state safety—physiological, psychological, and ontological—and identifying trait safety as secure attachment. Study 2 explored the influence of the TMF componeents on tourist safety behavior, finding that secure attachment positively impacts safety compliance and participation. Additionally, the three dimensions of state safety serve as parallel mediators between secure attachment and safety behaviors, while the public opinion climate of risk negatively moderates this relationship. This research elucidates the behavioral regulation process of tourist metasafety as "trait safety → state safety → safety response," offering theoretical insights and practical guidance for enhancing tourist safety behaviors and managing negative public opinions in tourist destinations.