Marketing

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Neuroscience

Biology

Virology

Tourism

Archaeology

Destinations

Outbreak

Business

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Economic geography

Regional science

Advertising

Psychology

Geography

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Tourist destinations

Medicine

Perception

Disease

Pathology

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