This project investigated how cultural background (i.e., Switzerland and South Korea) influences travel motivation during the COVID 19 pandemic. Interesting cultural differences were discovered. In particular, family and friends as a destination attribute and a sense of belonging as an ultimate value of travel became more important among Swiss respondents. Hedonic pleasure emerged as the main ultimate value of travel among Swiss respondents, while outcome-oriented values of tourism (e.g., self-actualization, creativity, innovation, and efficacy) were of greater significance to South Korean respondents.