The impact of risk perceptions on tourists’ revisit intention: the case of COVID-19 and Fiji

Abstract

The tourism industry is fragile as it is prone to numerous risks such as the outbreak of deadly viruses, and natural and human-made disasters. These risks have a significant impact on tourists' decisions when choosing a destination and while in a destination. This paper investigates the risks perceived by Australian tourists and how these risks affect their intention to revisit the Pacific Island Country of Fiji. Through a quantitative survey with 301 tourists, augmented by qualitative interviews conducted among management of hotels, as well as the DMO, the results show that tourists continue to perceive Fiji as a relatively safe destination however there are increased in the perceptions of risk concerning disease risk and financial risk.