A longitudinal study of residents' attitudes toward tourism development. Issue 23 (2nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liang, Zengxian; Luo, Hui; Bao, Jigang
• Is Part Of: Current issues in tourism. Volume 24:Issue 23(2021)
• Page Start: 3309
• Page End: 3323
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02
• Subjects: Tourism development -- longitudinal study -- quality of life (QOL) -- attitude -- satisfaction -- subjective well-being (SWB) -- multiple discrepancies theory -- Geopark; Tourism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Travel -- Periodicals; 338.479105
• DOI: 10.1080/13683500.2021.1874314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-3500

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Deepening the understanding of residents' attitudes and related influencing factors is integral to tourism destinations' long-term sustainable development. Given the transitional nature of residents' attitudes, longitudinal research on the topic – despite having been recommended – remains lacking. This study applied a longitudinal design over a 4-year period to assess the effects of residents' satisfaction with tourism development and quality of life (QOL) on their attitudes toward tourism development. The study used a sample of tourism communities within China's Yuntai Mountain area, a mature and stable destination with a relatively independent and closed economic system. Results reflected a significant and positive impact of residents' satisfaction with tourism development on their attitudes toward such development; however, the mediating effect of QOL between residents' satisfaction and their attitudes was weak and not significant throughout the study period. These findings enrich the literature by re-examining residents' attitudes and associated influencing factors over time. Targeted strategies are recommended to help local governors and policymakers engender greater resident support for tourism.