Residents’ Attitudes Toward Perceived Tourism Benefits

Abstract

Despite the increasing research on host community perceptions toward tourism development, there is limited research on small island developing states (SIDS). This study aims to investigate the residents’ attitudes toward tourism development in Mauritius, a small island developing state. Using a face-to-face questionnaire, data was collected from local residents in a community situated in the north of the country. Following data collection from a questionnaire, factor analysis and regression analyses were conducted. The results revealed that the majority of residents are supportive of tourism development in the region. Socio-cultural and economic impacts had significant and positive influence on tourism development, while environmental impacts had a negative influence on future tourism growth.

Keywords: Host community, Residents, Sustainable tourism development, Mauritius, Small island

JEL Classification: M31