Staycation tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism meant local communities in tourist destinations had to act to minimise detrimental influences. Researching the perceptions of locals towards tourism operations could provide insights into what communities might do to address the restrictions preventing the coronovirus imposed on international tourism operations. This research in Ho Chi Minh City assessed risk perception when residents participate in tourism activities. The findings reveal that: local participation levels are associated with risk perceptions in collaborations between communities and organisations and with attitudes towards taking vacations at home (referred to as "staycation"); there is a discernible relationship between collaboration and attitudes about staycation during the pandemic; and ideas of staycation and collaboration can have a positive impact in local tourism development. These results help us tackle the challenges of sustainable development, strategic planning, local management and future resilience in tourism operations during and after the pandemic.