Cultural consequences on traveler risk perception and safety

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between national culture and perceived travel risk, safety, anxiety, and travel intentions. Two hundred forty-six Australian and 336 foreign respondents were surveyed as to their cultural orientation, travel risk and safety perception, anxiety, and intentions to travel. The results of path analysis show that the uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism and, in particular, long/short-term cultural orientations are the most significant predictors of travel risk and safety perceptions in both samples. The terrorism and sociocultural risk emerged as the most significant determinants of travel anxiety and safety. Anxiety and level of perceived safety determined intentions to travel internationally. Implications of the study results are discussed.