A conspiracy theory perspective on the influence of political events on tourism: a longitudinal study of Hong Kong

This study investigated the role of conspiracy beliefs associated with political events in affecting tourists’ intention to visit an event-related destination. Based on a series of recent political events in Hong Kong, two surveys were conducted in 2020 and 2023. The results showed that conspiracy theories have a diminishing negative impact on tourists’ intention to visit over time, according to a comparison of findings based on longitudinal datasets. Political engagement partially mediated the relationship between conspiracy beliefs and a negative intention to visit. Younger or ethnic minority respondents were found to be more likely to hold conspiracy beliefs.