Evaluating COVID-19 health and safety measures for tourist satisfaction at Kruger National Park

Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly reduced international tourism, leading to financial losses for national parks. As future pandemics remain a possibility, national parks must apply lessons from COVID-19 to enhance crisis preparedness, particularly in health and safety services, to meet visitor expectations. Research purpose: This study investigates the health and safety factors (HSFs) that influence tourist satisfaction and overall experience at Kruger National Park (KNP). Understanding these factors can enhance visitor loyalty, ensuring stable revenue for conservation and park operations. Motivation for the study: The research aimed to assess visitor satisfaction with KNP’s health and safety measures during COVID-19, providing insights for improving future crisis response. Research d esign, approach and method: A quantitative approach was used, employing convenience sampling. Surveys were conducted at KNP in December 2021, with 284 completed questionnaires collected from selected camps. Main findings: Analysis identified nine key HSFs that impact visitor satisfaction. These findings provide actionable recommendations for KNP management to enhance health and safety service delivery, ultimately improving the tourist experience. Practical/managerial implications: By implementing these HSFs, national parks can improve crisis resilience and maintain operations during future pandemics. Ensuring visitor well-being will support the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts and the tourism sector. Contribution/value-add: This study offers practical strategies to strengthen the tourism industry’s ability to recover from crises, reinforcing the essential role of national parks in promoting both environmental conservation and visitor well-being. Keywords: factor analysis; nature-based tourism; national park management; sustainability; tourist satisfaction; health and safety factors, health and safety protocols; COVID-19.