This study aims to explore the psychological needs and satisfaction of Chinese, Japanese and Korean tourists across three phases (i.e., before, during and perceived aftermath) of the COVID-19 pandemic. It fulfilled the theoretical extension of the Existence, Relatedness and Growth (ERG) theory to identify the basic psychological needs of the tourists in a pandemic situation. In-depth interviews findings confirmed ERG processes of Satisfaction-progression, Frustration-regression and Simple-Frustration. Nevertheless, the predominant psychological needs of tourists was different in each phase. The study contributes to a better understanding of post pandemic needs of the tourists and is useful in redesigning travel experiences.

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