Internal substitution in the tourism market: Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic

Purpose: The effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic are difficult to estimate, but the impact on the tourism industry is undeniable. This also applies to consumers’ behavior in the tourism market, whose attitudes towards travel may change radically. The aim of this chapter is to analyze substitution processes in the tourism market caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is a review in nature and includes papers on tourism economics, particularly the tourism market, as well as secondary data on changes in tourism (tourism participation and consumer behavior) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: The Covid-19 pandemic does not have to be the factor slowing travels, as it may affect internal substitution on the tourism market. In the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, all internal substitution options listed in the chapter were noticed on the tourism market in Poland. Research limitations/implications: As long as the emergency situation restricting the functioning of the tourism market continues, the results of the study cannot be definitive. Practical implications: The results can be useful for tour operators, especially in the process of planning tourism development after the crisis caused by the pandemic. Social implications: The chapter indicates changes in consumer behavior on the tourism market caused by COVID-19 pandemic, which may characterize tourists after the end of the pandemic. Originality and value: The article identifies types of internal substitution that occurred in the tourism market in Poland as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.