Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Travel Behavior and Travel Mode Preferences: The Example of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the perception of travel, especially in the context of the pandemic, when the measures are alleviated, as well as the citizens’ intentions and preferences for travel methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel behavior and travel mode preferences in the example of the residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Five research questions were defined. A quantitative research approach was applied in this study. The data were collected through a questionnaire (online survey) distributed to respondents via e-mail and the social network Facebook. The convenience sample included 265 respondents. In the study, a descriptive and quantitative comparative analysis was conducted. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced a change in travel behavior. The primary purpose of travel during and before the pandemic was social activities. The most significant change in the primary purpose of travel during and before the pandemic is reflected in a decrease in social activities and an increase in recreational sports activities. In contrast, other activities remained proportionally the same before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average distance traveled for primary outdoor trips before the pandemic is greater than that for primary outdoor trips during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study could be useful in traffic planning and making various policies during various pandemics based on people’s travel needs. In particular, government bodies could use such knowledge to plan partial and smarter lockdowns. Tourism and transport companies could use this information to better plan their services and operations.