Coastal Tourism in Historic Newburyport, Massachusetts: A Mixed Qualitative Methods Exploration of the Impact of COVID-19

Abstract

Tourism studies is a critical topic within the field of marine and environmentalaffairs. Deeply connected to the social, material, and natural environments, tourism shapes the lives of people worldwide. The onset of COVID-19 created major shifts and new challenges across global tourism systems. This thesis explores coastal tourism in Newburyport, Massachusetts during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic using mixed qualitative methodology. Building on a foundation of theoretical frameworks for touristic study, this thesis presents the area’s touristic history, culture, and traditions, and examines the conflicts, plans, challenges, and other factors shaping tourism. This thesis identifies 8 major themes of convergence and 6 major themes of divergence to emerge in the first two years of the pandemic. COVID-19 has escalated many of the existing touristic tensions but has also led to unexpected solutions and improvements. The longterm impacts of the still developing pandemic on tourism cannot yet be known but presents a timely and critical area for academic study. This research provides recommendations about tourism’s development for city leadership and contributes to the growing body of touristic literature vital for the field of marine and environmental affairs.