Differences in the Perceived Influence of Natural Disasters and Travel Risk on International Travel

Abstract

Abstract This study explores the socio-demographic and economic differences in the perceived influences of natural disasters and travel risk on international travel. A sample of 354 visitors to South Florida was surveyed as to their perceptions of the influence of natural disasters and travel risk on international travel. A Principal Components Analysis identified two groups of natural disasters, ‘Snow and fire’ and ‘Wind and water’, and two groups of perceived travel risk, ‘Socio-cultural and psychological’ and ‘Physical’. A t-test and series of one-way ANOVA tests revealed significant differences in the perceived influence of individual and grouped natural disasters and travel risks on international travel among respondents with different socio-demographic and economic profiles.