If I Can't Save, I Spend! Doom Spending in Travel, Tourism and Leisure
CURRENT ISSUES IN TOURISM, vol.1, no.1, pp.1-18, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 1 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/13683500.2026.2710749
- Journal Name: CURRENT ISSUES IN TOURISM
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), ABI/INFORM, Geobase, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index
- Page Numbers: pp.1-18
- Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study focuses on the emerging phenomenon of doom spending in the literature. Specifically, it examines ‘doom spending’ in the context of travel, tourism, and entertainment. Doom spending refers to consumption behaviours shaped by economic uncertainty and pessimism about the future, leading individuals to prioritise short-term experiential consumption over saving. This study adopts an exploratory qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 39 participants from Generations X, Y, and Z in Türkiye. The findings reveal that economic uncertainty, socio-political insecurity, psychological factors, social environment, and structural conditions contribute to doom spending behaviour. However, there are significant differences in travel, tourism, and entertainment preferences and motivations among Generations X, Y, and Z. By identifying the psychological, economic, and social consequences of doom spending, the study demonstrates that it is a self-reinforcing consumption cycle. In this respect, the study offers meaningful academic, managerial, and policy implications.