Incidental negative emotions and tourist destination preferences: A choice model during lockdown

Abstract

Incidental and discrete emotions can influence tourist decision‐making and their preferences for destinations with different types of attractions and activities. In this explorative study, we apply a choice model and the cognitive appraisal theory of emotion to examine the influence of those negative emotions that emerged during Australia's lockdown on tourists' anticipated destination preferences. We find that negative emotions were influenced by both pre‐lockdown emotions and lockdown conditions. Negative emotions exert a significant impact on tourists' selection of destinations and influence their attitudes toward social distancing measures. Travel motivations and gender also affect tourist preferences. Finally, we address the theoretical implications of this study regarding the impact of incidental emotions on travel preferences and make practical suggestions to practitioners on providing targeted products and adjusting management and marketing strategies.