Consumer research in the domestic tourism market during the pandemic: preferences and trends

The study of the domestic tourism development in our country is due to the socio-economic and socio-cultural significance of this industry, as well as the changes taking place under the influence of the social crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has affected society, the economy, as well as consumer behavior in leisure and travel. The purpose of this study is based on the presentation of the domestic tourism market as part of the socio-economic system from a scientific and practical point of view, using empirical research, to identify changes in consumer practices in tourism, which should be considered in developing domestic tourism priority areas. The study is based on the content analysis, comparative analysis, system analysis, statistical methods (grouping), questioning. Based on statistical indicators obtained before and during the pandemic, the authors revealed the unevenness of tourist flows and their high dependence on environmental factors. Based on the results of an empirical study, the authors formed a portrait of consumers, and revealed the influence of motivation on travel decisions, as well as changes in the consumption of services during leisure and travel, influenced by the social crisis. There are specific problems of tourism accessibility for social groups of the population with low solvency, who need a state assistance such as preferential vouchers, subsidies, etc. The theoretical value and practical significance of this study are due to the authors' methodological route for the study of domestic tourism before and during the pandemic, as well as studying changes in consumer behavior and consumer preferences, which should be reflected in the planning of domestic tourism development.