RESIDENTS PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper examines resident perceptions of tourism development in a rural area experiencing an economic transition. The economy is shifting from the extractive industries of mining and logging to an emergent tourism industry. The study utilizes a longitudinal research design to investigate community sentiment over the developmental phase of a new year-round ski area. Various attitude indicators were used over the 6-year period. The residents initially held high expectations for tourism development, but support has diminished over time. The data suggest a complex relationship between the level of economic development, the level of tourism development, and the expected perceived socioeconomic and environmental impacts by residents resulting from tourism.