Cosmopolitan tourists: the most resilient travellers in the face of COVID-19

Abstract

Fear, whilst essential for survival, has the power to impair rational thinking. In tourism, fear can cease international travels. Previous studies demonstrated that cosmopolitan travellers are more resistant to irrational fear. This study aims to verify if cosmopolitans are more resistant to irrationality when facing the fear of COVID-19. Building on grounded theory, 64 in-depth interviews and direct observation, this study found that the cosmopolitan mindset, open-mindedness and strive for objectivity facilitates personal resilience, rational functioning in the face of fear. The study categorises travellers based on their resilience and suggests how to encourage each category amidst the threat of COVID-19.