The Effect of Risk Perceptions on Intentions to Travel in the Aftermath of September 11, 2001

This study examined the relationship between perceived risk and travel intentions among residents in the New York City area. The timing of the survey (November 2001) provided opportunity to examine the effect of perceived risk on travel intentions during the period of aftershock following September 11, 2001. The study found that intentions to take a pleasure trip in the next 12 months (at the time of the survey) was related to safety concerns, perceived social risk, travel experience and income. Results from the study hold potential for better understanding risk perceptions and their impact on travel behavior and in the marketing of travel services during periods of uncertainty like that following September 11, 2001 Key Words: Social risktravel experiencemarketingtravel servicesrisk perception