Policy design implications of shifts in travel preferences : the case of Malta’s outbound tourism

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected people of all ages. The long-term effects of the pandemic are discussed in the academic literature, particularly in relation to health, work routines, the economy, business and social interactions. This study looks at another dimension. It focuses on how the pandemic affected some aspects of the context within which policy responses are expected to render a positive difference to the issue they were intended to address. After the pandemic, that context changed. The argument presented here is that designing policy, in whatever field, after the pandemic, requires an awareness and understanding of the changed context within which policies will be implemented. Insights into how that context changed are necessary because policies seek to change people’s choices and behaviour. Yet, such choices and behaviour cannot quite be altered by policy unless one is aware of shifts in citizens’ preferences and priorities that matter. [excerpt]