THE RELEVANCE OF AIR QUALITY PERCEPTIONS ON TRAVEL BEHAVIOR OF VISITORS WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Air pollution is one of the most challenging environmental issues influencing the lifestyles of the world's population. Every year millions of respiratory diseases and premature deaths are directly attributed to it. Therefore, people who suffer from respiratory diseases are more vulnerable to variations in air quality, as direct exposure leads to exacerbation of symptoms, more hospitalizations, and behavioral changes. This study aims to examine the impact of air pollution on the travel behavior of people with respiratory diseases. To accomplish this objective, a mixed methodological approach is used, applying questionnaires and interviews. The results show that visitors with respiratory diseases are more likely to value air quality and to engage in adaptive measures to prevent the effects of air pollution episodes at the destination. This study enriches the tourism literature by examining how air quality influences visitors with respiratory illnesses and provides practical implications for the tourism industry.