
==== Front
Heliyon
Heliyon
Heliyon
2405-8440
Elsevier

S2405-8440(24)12660-6
10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36629
e36629
Review Article
Tourism promotion during emergency response to Omicron subvariant outbreak
Ha Kyoo-Man ha1999@hotmail.com
kmanha@ra.ac.ae
a⁎
Ahn Ji-Young emnature@daum.net
b
a Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, 114646, United Arab Emirates
b Seoul Balance Clinic, 73 Sangnam-ro, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-city, Gyeongsangnam-do, 51504, Republic of Korea
⁎ Corresponding author. ha1999@hotmail.comkmanha@ra.ac.ae
22 8 2024
30 8 2024
22 8 2024
10 16 e366298 3 2024
2 8 2024
20 8 2024
© 2024 The Authors
2024
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
This study aimed to explore optimal ways to promote all kinds of tourism during the phase of emergency response to the current outbreak of Omicron subvariants. A framework-based systematic literature review was conducted as the primary methodology, supported by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses checklist. Four analytical units were allocated to include United Nations agencies, governments, tour businesses, and local communities. Economic interest-based tourism promotion was examined to develop local temperature-based tourism promotion via the same four variables. The study found that the pursuit of economic interests was not a productive solution for tourism promotion any longer due to the matter of local weather. It concluded that the four stakeholders should work to replace economic interest-based tourism promotion with local temperature-based tourism promotion. Results of this study can guide the positive effects of warm temperatures, brand image, psychological impacts, digital marketing, and others.

Keywords

Paradigm shift
Tourism marketing
Economic interest
Local temperature
Psychological impacts
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pmc1 Introduction

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared in May 2023 that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was no longer a global health emergency, its outbreak continues to have various impacts on human society [1]. Given the continued mutations of the virus, exemplified by the outbreak of Omicron subvariants, and the fact that it still kills people, the emergency response phase (rather than the emergency recovery phase) is even more imperative. Although the end of the COVID-19 emergency should be a celebratory event, the threat posed by Omicron subvariants demands the dedication of all individuals and nations to pandemic management.

When tourism was highlighted as one of the sectors most critically impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, a paradigm shift toward tourism promotion was demanded to revive the industry [2,3]. Additionally, embracing new desires and needs in the era of the “new normal,” many individuals want to travel again. However, the potential outbreak of Omicron subvariants resulting in another wave, is a threat to travelers worldwide. Psychological impacts of COVID-19 are still present in cold areas (also known as the issue of local temperature), rendering conventional tourism promotion (i.e., focusing on economic interests) ineffective.

Recently, a few scientists have argued that warm (or hot) temperatures contribute to the low rates of Omicron subvariant infection globally. The heterogeneity of experimental results has been reported in the scientific domain. While one group of scientists firmly maintains that no correlation exists between local temperature and Omicron infection [4], another suggests a potential link between higher temperatures and reduced rates of Omicron infections [5]. The results vary depending on the research period, geographic region, and associated risks.

Despite these challenges, the current study posits a positive correlation between high temperatures and low levels of Omicron infection, primarily due to seasonal trends in infected cases [6,7]. During cold winters, the number of Omicron infections is found to increase in general. Conversely, many regions experience a decrease in the number of infections during summer. This interaction is majorly due to the impact of local temperature on the interaction between the spike and its receptor. For example, a Japanese research team demonstrated that the replicative capacity of Omicron subvariants significantly dropped at 40 °C, especially when compared to the same subvariants at 37 °C (or the average temperature of the human body) [8]. In these contexts, this study aims to similarly apply the matter of local temperature to the worldwide tourism sector, compared with previous studies, in particular [9]. Furthermore, the background information mentioned above will make the need for conducting this study right now even more compelling.

Considering the above information, this study's research question is: “How have stakeholders promoted (or will promote) tourism during the current outbreak of Omicron subvariants?” Attracting tourists in particular has been found to help with psychological health, economic recovery, and overall wellbeing during the outbreak of the Omicron pandemic [10]. This study aims to investigate how to strategically attract tourists during the emergency response phase of an Omicron subvariant outbreak. The United Nations (UN) agencies, governments, tour businesses, and local communities have examined the current economic interest-based tourism promotion to leverage local temperature-based tourism promotion. An important theme in this paradigm shift is the four stakeholders' transformation of economic interest-based tourism into local temperature-based tourism promotion. Accordingly, these stakeholders will address tour brand image, the social impacts of Omicron variants, online marketing, and others based on the positive functions of warm temperature.

2 Literature review

2.1 Basic concepts

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) was officially reported in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has continued to mutate itself, leading to variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron (following the Greek alphabets) [11]. All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, constantly evolve as they replicate in changing environments. Furthermore, each variant has exhibited enhanced virulence, transmissibility, and capacity for immune evasion.

Omicron (B.1.1.529), initially reported as a variant of concern in South Africa by the end of 2021, has spread worldwide as a dominant strain. Omicron subvariants include XBB.1.5.1, CH.1.1, EG.5, JN.1, HV.1, and many others [12]. In general, vaccines and treatments work for Omicron subvariants. Still, the potential emergence of a new dire variant or a new Omicron subvariant from the combination of previous (sub)variants (or the influence of lasting influenza viruses or respiratory syncytial virus) remains unpredictable.

Because Omicron subvariants are still emerging, the emergency response phase was relevant in this study. The lifetime of emergency management (or the emergency management cycle) consists of four or five phases: emergency prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery [13]. The phase that applies to a given occurrence may vary based on individual circumstances or criteria. Emergency response entails reaction to the outbreak of Omicron subvariants by using resources such as medical care, face masks, and emergency operation centers.

The coronavirus infection has impacted the tourism category (including, in this study, local and international travel) more critically than many other industrial sectors [14]. In this context, stakeholders need to innovate their tourism promotion to survive as the fittest, recognizing that the pandemic has provided new visible or invisible business dimensions [15]. As with marketing strategies, tourism promotion involves publicizing and disseminating tour information to attract potential tourists.

2.2 Previous studies

Considering the work done by several researchers, practitioners, and the mass media on the impact of COVID-19 on tourism, the topic may be classified as one of the most frequently examined topics in the research field [16,17]. Consequently, research has produced several approaches, cases, frames, and viewpoints. Research has employed qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods to delve into both primary and secondary data. Economic theories, health models, and plans for operations have all served as underlying theories. However, because the outbreak of Omicron subvariants is a relatively new issue, few studies have examined the precise impact of the outbreak on tourism promotion [18].

Thomas Kuhn (1962 and 1970) explored the role of scientific revolutions while introducing and developing the basic ideas of a paradigm shift [19]. Scientific revolutions, according to the author, did not progressively advance science toward its objective based on the history of science. Science would instead undergo several paradigm shifts for its further progress. Similarly, alternative ideas would be offered when a scientific theory did not adequately explain a certain phenomenon. Once a paradigm shift has occurred, support would be given to a second or third one. In the sphere of science, Kuhn's cycle became a model.

Multiple researchers adapted the paradigm shift mechanism to their own research areas for scientific revolutions [20,21]. In essence, Kuhn's paradigm shift was employed by many in the fields of science and engineering to support the advancement of their research and development (R&D). In addition, some scholars explored how the concept of a paradigm shift was methodically applied to social sciences to include factors such as science and technology (or R&D) policy, sociology, pandemic management, and tourism, and thus positively supported the associated effects.

Using the pandemic index, Karabulut et al. (2020) examined the relationship between pandemics and tourist arrivals. They investigated related numerical data on 129 nations from 1996 to 2018 [22]. The pandemics examined included severe acute respiratory syndrome, avian influenza, Middle East respiratory syndrome, Evola, H1N1 virus, COVID-19, and others. They confirmed that the negative impacts of these pandemics (in particular, COVID-19) mainly hit tourist arrivals in developing countries, based on international data.

Matura (2021) suggested a change in the focus of tourism promotion from international tourism to local tourism due to the closing of a country's borders, as in the case of Zimbabwe [23]. The author did not consider the closure of Zimbabwean national borders a national misfortune but an opportunity for local tourism promotion. The researcher proposed affordable local tour packages, aggressive advertising, incentives for public servants to embark on local tours, and coronavirus prevention guidelines as strategies for further promotion of local tourism.

In 2021, Camacho studied suicides resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak by focusing on the Mexican case [24]. The researcher believed that psychological impacts of COVID-19—such as bereavement and loss, fear of infection, loneliness, and uncertain economic future—were a direct cause of suicides. During the pandemic, multiple individuals experienced life crises as well as mental disorders to a great extent, and killed themselves. COVID-19 directly or indirectly accelerated suicide rates among infected patients and health workers in Mexico. As a solution, the researcher emphasized the importance of solidarity, sociability, and subsidies for vulnerable groups in the nation.

Mohamed et al. (2021) conducted a thorough investigation into the potential role of tourism advertising campaigns toward destination image enhancement, specifically concerning the Egyptian tourism industry [25]. This study offered relevant guidance to individuals involved in the country's tourism advertising campaign. Upon gathering and analyzing relevant questionnaires from interviewees, the researchers arrived at an empirical conclusion: the perception of a destination can vary based on the adaptability with which it is approached in tourism advertising campaigns (or how it employs contemporary promotional initiatives).

Huang et al. (2023) examined how to attract Chinese tourists to Southeast Asian destinations like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Maldives, during the post-pandemic era [26]. These researchers tried to provide alternatives such as tourist-centered approaches, particularly from the perspective of tour businesses. The research highlights the significance of cooperation with Chinese governments to eliminate travel restrictions while maintaining the necessity of using the Chinese language, tour information, transportation media, and digital technology in the area.

Some academics in 2024 touched upon significant issues, as they continued to examine managerial insights in response to lingering concerns stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak. Majeed et al. contended that health issues undoubtedly altered the brand image of tour destinations [27]. In addition, a study by Fuchs et al. validated the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on travel intentions [28]. Furthermore, research by Afren stressed that social media-based digital marketing would be a powerful tool for attracting tourists, rather than being just a fad [29].

2.3 Features of this study

In light of the outbreak of Omicron subvariants, a timely and appropriate alternative should be explored to promote tourism, considering that the prevalence of coronavirus infection, health conditions of individuals, and medical systems at travel destinations significantly influence tourism [30]. This study flexibly provides a suitable framework for striking the right balance between the negative (or physical) aspects of current tourism promotion and the positive (or social) aspects of future tourism promotion.

Similarly, the current study aims to fully align with the paradigm shift in tourism promotion during the outbreak of the Omicron subvariants. A paradigm shift involves fundamentally changing the usual method or replacing it experimentally [31]. Tracing the evolution of tourism promotion in a rapidly changing environment, a paradigm shift can naturally occur by supporting holistic contexts. This study demonstrates a paradigm shift from economic interest-based to local temperature-based tourism promotion.

According to economic interest-based tourism promotion, stakeholders have attempted to cope with the outbreak of Omicron subvariants by constantly revitalizing their economies to include tourism [32]. Factors such as discounted travel costs, holiday vouchers, tour campaigns, and others have attracted potential travelers to travel destinations. Certainly, the current approach to tourism promotion has been criticized as being negative, based on its heavy emphasis on financial gains.

Local temperature-based tourism promotion refers to stakeholders promoting their tourism by further emphasizing the issue of local temperature [33]. The temperature measured in local communities, particularly during an outbreak of Omicron subvariants is called local temperature. Although many stakeholders have indirectly discussed the issue of local temperatures during tourism promotion, almost none have focused on it. In these contexts, stakeholders will now proactively (or fairly) address the local temperature concerns of potential tourists where necessary.

3 Methodology

3.1 Review protocol

A framework-based systematic literature review was adopted and utilized as the major research method in this study. In a sense, a scoping review was partially used to prioritize a big framework for the field (Vice versa, bibliometrics such as H-Index were used during a scoping review due to its broad scope) [34,35]. In other words, this study has attempted to provide a basic framework (under the big scheme of a paradigm shift) vis-à-vis the research topic of tourism promotion during the outbreak of Omicron subvariants while systematically reviewing and interpreting qualitative text data [36]. This study developed Fig. 1 as a review plan to reduce the level of bias during qualitative data selection and ensure thorough data analysis [37]. Simultaneously, qualitative data with low bias have been primarily included after all chosen data were categorized into three bias levels (including high bias, some concerns, and low bias) based on their research domains and practical applications. Low-bias data led to the high validity of related findings.Fig. 1 Analytical framework.

Fig. 1

This study has also used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist as a screening tool to support a framework-based systematic literature review. The use of a framework-based systematic literature review will be further validated in this study, reinforcing the need for all aspects of scientific research to be methodically documented via the PRISMA checklist [38,39] (For details, please refer to Data Availability Statement). Using the PRISMA checklist will significantly improve the study's quality, transparency, and clarity [40].

3.2 Search strategies and criteria

Three disciplines—tourism, human health, and disaster management—have essentially been the focus of theoretical limits for data search. It should be noted that this study attempted to look up human health data after the end of 2021 when Omicron subvariants first appeared. Data on tourism or disaster management, however, have been available for a longer period than that. This study depended on several academic search engines, such as Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Oxford University Press, CrossRef, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, ProQuest, CORE, and PubMed Central for conducting an extensive search for appropriate qualitative texts on the research topic [41]. Notably, Google Scholar contains various documents such as journal articles, books, and official documents, while ScienceDirect (for topics on both tourism promotion and COVID-19) and PubMed Central (for topics on Omicron subvariants) contain several research articles.

Keywords searched in academic search engines include “tourism promotion and COVID-19”, “impacts of Omicron variant on tourism promotion”, “crisis management in travel marketing”, “emergency response, tourism sector, and Omicron variant”, “Omicron variant and local weather”, “Omicron variant, tourism sector, and implications”, “pandemics and international tourism,” and others. While identifying appropriate qualitative texts, one inclusion/exclusion criterion was whether a particular file was related to tourism promotion and the impact of Omicron subvariants. Given that the Omicron subvariant has only recently emerged, recentness was considered an additional criterion for inclusion.

3.3 Text extraction and synthesis

For qualitative text extraction, this study allocated four analytical units via coding: UN agencies, governments, tour businesses, and local communities. Coding involves labeling qualitative data to determine important themes or patterns within a dataset [42]. These analytical units include all the key stakeholders in the tourism sector (or its emergency management subsector). UN agencies provide a global perspective, governments develop public policies, tour businesses contribute significantly to the economy, and local communities are involved in local culture and regional opportunities.

This study has delineated two major themes for conducting an insightful synthesis: economic interest-based tourism promotion versus local temperature-based tourism promotion. Qualitative data synthesis was done to compile all available data and resources [43,44]. The same four analytical units were examined under these two themes for systematic comparison. In contrast, these two themes were clustered (or extracted) from existing literature (with the support of four analytical units) and then analytically synthesized. Eventually, this synthesis helped answer the research question.

4 Results: economic interest-based tourism promotion

Financial interests have played a significant role in promoting travel and hospitality in a variety of recent research articles and official documents. These texts have appeared in various publications, such as journals on tourism, journals on economics, and reports from international organizations. In the 21st century, many studies have consistently faced questions about financial gains.

4.1 UN agencies

The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is adamant that tourism recovery is a crucial pillar of global economic growth during the pandemic, has continued its efforts to promote tourism under the banner of economic recovery [45]. As such, the UNWTO has repeatedly and unequivocally highlighted the trend of international tourism through official documents while emphasizing the role of international tourism in national economic recovery. In other words, the UNWTO has demonstrated significant support for economic interests aligned with its mission.

As part of their organizational missions, other UN agencies have similarly, or at least indirectly, promoted the idea of international tourism and local tourism as a means of economic recovery [46]. The WHO has expressed concern about tourism and the economic impact of the Omicron variant, mainly citing related human casualties. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has enabled private companies (e.g., International Tourism Investment Corporation Ltd., London) to assist in sustainable economic recovery through research and a dedicated platform.

4.2 Governments

While trying to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, various national governments have safeguarded tourism jobs (comprising about 10 % of all jobs) [47]. Since eliminating international border closures, travel restrictions, local lockdowns, and others, these governments have focused on helping labor-intensive tourism through complimentary travel insurance (including coverage for COVID-19), visa facilitation services, and simplified entry requirements. Detailed examples include the Hong Kong government's domestic travel promotion and the Singapore government's tour job training via the SGUnited Skills Program.

These governments have continued to provide financial assistance to independent tourism-related contractors and small-scale enterprises while averting bankruptcy, resolving cash flow issues, and guaranteeing the survival of multiple enterprises [48]. In particular, the Guatemalan government has approved delays in tax payments for the accommodation industry, while Norway, Brazil, and Costa Rica have suspended taxes on air travelers and aviation-related taxes. In many senses, these governments have directly implemented the aforementioned measures to stimulate economic recovery in their tourism sectors.

4.3 Tour businesses

While pursuing financial gain as the primary objective, most tour businesses demonstrated a willingness to employ flexible tourism promotion strategies during the Omicron variant outbreak [49]. These tour operators made efforts to adjust to the rapidly changing environments by promoting short-distance travel, relying on digital marketing, allowing flexibility in tour scheduling, and ensuring safety and health procedures, among other measures. The related effectiveness fluctuated depending on the specific circumstances in different locations.

In addition, several tour businesses worldwide resorted to short-term tourism promotion strategies for financial gain, particularly without innovative marketing strategies [50]. For instance, some tour operators in Vietnam altered their business portfolios and reduced the scope of their operations by reducing staff, cutting costs, or maintaining the status quo of their operations. U.S. airlines, cruise lines, and online tour-booking companies simply sold their stocks without pursuing innovative approaches when fears over the Omicron variant surfaced in late 2021.

4.4 Local communities

Acknowledging that community-based marketing has been widely supported in numerous areas, residents have actively promoted travel [51]. Many residents were unwilling to support tourism promotion when a few tourists engaged in disruptive behaviors, such as spreading the coronavirus, littering, damaging cultural heritage sites, and similar actions. However, locals often depend on tourists for economic growth. The influx of visitors supports the local economy and enhances the destination's visibility, thereby empowering the local residents.

While local mass media have tried to spotlight economic recovery by promoting tourism, their activities are still influenced by local politics in many regions [52]. In Greece, most of the content promoting tourism is substantially influenced by the political affiliations of the mass media (e.g., newspapers). In many countries in Africa, South America, and Asia, corruption due to media bias has caused income inequalities among tour companies through local mass media strategies for tourism promotion.

5 Implications

The UNWTO data only indirectly proved the issue of local temperature during the pandemic owing to the lack of official evaluation. According to the UNWTO, three regions experienced great international tourism recovery in 2023: the Middle East (known for its desert climate with hot summers and mild winters), Africa (known for its dry and wet seasons), and Europe (characterized by four distinct seasons) [53]. In particular, local temperatures in both the Middle East and Africa were relatively warm and hot. Consequently, high temperatures were expected to be effective for international tourism by 2023.

The research question for this study is, “How have stakeholders promoted (or will promote) tourism during the current outbreak of Omicron subvariants?” Considering the positive effects of warm temperatures on the infection rates of Omicron variants, all four stakeholders will aim to shift the focus of tourism promotion from economic interest to local temperature-based strategies (refer to Table 1). This transition can be considered as a paradigm shift in the field. Although the two approaches mentioned above contrast, the shift does not imply that the latter is wholly the other side of the coin in the grand scheme. Rather, the associated economic recovery will increase accordingly or flexibly while moving toward local temperature-based tourism promotion.Table 1 Detailed strategies for local temperature-based tourism promotion.

Table 1Four stakeholders	Detailed strategies	
5.1. UN agencies	- As a principal UN agency, the UNWTO will foster travel by highlighting the topic of local temperature (via a universal lens), thereby advancing the economic interests of all countries equally.

- When cooperating with national efforts, the WHO and UNDRR will both address the issue of local temperature more directly through official documents, conferences, websites, and other supporting strategies compared to current practices.

	
5.2. Governments	- Hong Kong and Singapore's governments will create multiple jobs in outdoor adventure tourism, cultural tours, seasonal work, and others when leveraging their policies to raise awareness of local temperature through public health, media campaigns, or partnerships with tour companies.

- Governments of Guatemala, Norway, Brazil, and Costa Rica will develop sustainable tourism practices by collaborating with all interested parties to advance the issue of local temperature.

	
5.3. Tour businesses	- Tour businesses should prioritize addressing the issue of warm temperatures and leveraging real-time data in specific tour destinations by reducing the level of local uncertainty.

- Several tour operators in Vietnam and the United States will plan long-term tourism promotion by embracing innovations (i.e., the issue of local temperature).

	
5.4. Local communities	- Local communities, acting as a collective, can inform steering groups about the importance of local temperature when they address local involvement in tourism promotion.

- Local mass media will report on warm temperatures during tourism promotion while minimizing political influence, bias, and corruption through media ownership, transparent advertising, and employee integrity.

	

This paradigm shift may facilitate a robust approach in the tourism sector, as the current outbreak of Omicron subvariants has been a positive catalyst for tourism [54]. Mutation of the Omicron variant itself has never been desirable, but it has raised the necessity of changing the current framework for promoting tourism. A series of Omicron subvariants will lead to a transformation in tourism promotion. Thus, this frameshift will be supported more in warm and tropical countries than in cold countries. Each country can flexibly use a new paradigm shift before or during warm weather in its region.

Given the paucity of rigorous studies on the exact features of ongoing Omicron subvariants, the relations between Omicron and the tourism industry, or emergency management in the tourism sector, the paradigm shift from this study will greatly contribute to the improvement of existing literature [55]. This study will broaden our limited understanding of Omicron's impact on tourism promotion and expand the theoretical base of both Omicron and tourism marketing literature through the theoretical lens of emergency management.

This paradigm shift is closely related to the change in brand image, as the shift from the reality of economic interests to the alternative of local temperature is quite an unexpected alteration in related tourism images [56]. Brand image of tourism has intentionally or unintentionally helped potential tourists choose future tour destinations. Keeping tourists' perceptions of the brand fair and positive (i.e., the brand image of local temperature) is one of the most important tasks for tourism promotion to thrive in a fiercely competitive market (i.e., brand image of economic interests).

Omicron subvariants have caused two kinds of risks to people: physical and social impacts [57]. While physical impacts include visible impacts such as human casualties and economic loss, social impacts are invisible, including psychological stress, inequities, and other social challenges. Many practitioners and researchers have continued to show interest in managing physical impacts, regardless of national boundaries. Conversely, they have only just begun to consider the subject of social impacts systematically.

This paradigm shift stresses the need to shift management focus from physical to social impacts [58]. While economic interest-based tourism promotion directly embraces the monetary aspect, it also advocates tackling the physical impacts of Omicron infections. Conversely, considering that local temperature-based tourism promotion deliberates the psychological aspect (or fear of travel) of Omicron infection more than other aspects, it will enfold the social impacts of the pandemic. This paradigm shift will ensure that both the physical and social impacts of the Omicron infection are fairly managed.

Digital tourism marketing (or online marketing) is prevalent today [59]. Digital marketing promotes tourism to potential tourists by utilizing innovative digital technologies such as mobile phones, computers, and websites. Digital marketing is expected to reduce the spread of coronavirus in targeted regions, reminding potential tourists that they do not need to physically meet tour agents as they can explore the various benefits of digital technology.

Nonetheless, digital marketing tools have not fully committed their online operations to a paradigm shift [60]. The extensive reliance on digital technologies suggests that the risk of contracting omicrons has not significantly decreased. In short, the Omicron variant has continued mutating, and its subvariants have caused a long-lasting pandemic worldwide. As a paradigm shift, digital experts will further integrate local temperature information into their digital marketing tools.

A few managerial implications have been suggested, either directly or indirectly, by the transition from economic interests to local temperature. Likewise, pandemic management existed before, during, and following the Omicron subvariant outbreak [61]. Although the focus of this study has been emergency response (during the outbreak of Omicron subvariants), the tourism sector still needs to stay on top of the pandemic at all times. Similarly, the tourism sector will integrate all relevant parties, including UN agencies, regional governments, and local communities, to adopt the notion of the whole community approach. Everyone will benefit from the effective control of pandemics.

6 Conclusion

This study aimed to examine how tourism could be promoted during the emergency response to the Omicron subvariants outbreak. For this purpose, this paper described the research design, previous studies, key stakeholders (i.e., UN agencies, governments, tour businesses, and local communities), current challenges, and relevant implications. Additionally, the primary methodology employed was a systematic literature review based on structured frameworks and flexible text interpretation. In doing so, the study achieved its original objective by systematically comparing economic interest-based tourism promotion with local temperature-based tourism promotion as a future alternative.

The key theme of this research is the cooperation of the four stakeholders in substituting economic interest-based tourism promotion with local temperature-based tourism promotion. While the tourism industry has benefited greatly from financial interests, the public should always prioritize safety precautions. To implement this, each stakeholder must work out the assignments highlighted above (referring to Table 1) to include the provision of local temperature as a world vision, local temperature awareness, long-term strategies, local empowerment, and others sequentially. Furthermore, these stakeholders must embrace brand image, the social impacts of Omicron, digital marketing, and others based on the correlation between warmer temperatures and lower Omicron infection rates.

One major strength of this study is that it fulfills the paradigm shift in tourism promotion prompted by the impact of the Omicron infection. Two distinct approaches have been proposed in response to the timely demand for a paradigm shift, driven by the continued mutations of the Omicron variant. However, this study faced difficulties providing prompt implications due to the lack of appropriate text (or even empirical) data on the relationship between Omicron subvariants and tourism promotion.

Future researchers can explore how emergency management principles can be applied to outbreaks of Omicron subvariants. These principles include the emergency recovery phase and the importance of emergency awareness. A systematic literature review in this study has also pointed to several previous studies and provided future directions for research including psychological aspects and sustainable tourism. A notable limitation of this study is the inadequate research on the relationship between the Omicron outbreak and tourism promotion. Researchers will continue to rigorously conduct related research. All efforts will contribute to decreasing not only the physical impact of Omicron but also its social impact through tourism promotion.

Data Availability Statement

Ha, K.-M. (2024, June 7). PRISMA 2020 checklist: Tourism promotion during emergency response to Omicron subvariant outbreak. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HJ23E.

Ethics statement

Informed consent was not required for this study as there were no participants.

Financial Support

Not applicable.

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Kyoo-Man Ha: Writing – original draft, Methodology, Conceptualization. Ji-Young Ahn: Writing – review & editing, Validation, Project administration, Investigation.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Acknowledgments

Not applicable.
==== Refs
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