Pathology

Business

Regional science

Archaeology

Neuroscience

Perception

Disease

Tourist destinations

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Advertising

Marketing

Tourism

Psychology

Geography

Economic geography

Destinations

Medicine

Sustainability

COVID-19 has led to the biggest tourism crisis in modern Spanish history. Although its borders were opened in June 2020, incoming international tourism to Spain was very low. Tourist behavior, however, has been very diverse between types of tourism. Data from credit card transactions showing tourist behavior in 33 destinations representative of various types of tourism were analyzed. Results show that differences in tourist behavior between destinations can be explained by risk perception and the proximity of the destination to home, which favors natural areas and charming coastal cities. This study contributes to the academic literature by studying the effective behavior of international tourists in the time of COVID-19.

Empty Summer: International Tourist Behavior in Spain during COVID-19