Safety and destination choice in a post-pandemic period: A study of Opatija Riviera

Abstract

Safety is one of the fundamental elements in the tourist's decision-making process when choosing a holiday destination. Over the years numerous destinations were faced with challenges how to function and survive on the tourist market. To plan future developmental activities, it is mandatory to observe how tourists perceive safety of a destination, and what are the motivational factors that are connected with safety, that influence their decision-making process the most, and in post pandemic period in particular. Empirical research was conducted with the use of a structured questionnaire to examine what are the safety motivation factors that influence tourists to choose Opatija Riviera as a holiday destination in the post pandemic period. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The results indicate that tourists pay significant interest for communication with service providers, general information about the destination, what is the current criteria for entering the country, organization of health insurance and health protection during their stay, and possibility of doing a simple test for COVID. Moderate relevance was given to Opatija Riviera belonging to the "green region" and keeping the social distance during stay. Determined findings represent a good basis for formation of developmental activities which will improve the level of Opatija Riviera's safety and its competitiveness on the tourist market in the future.