Abstract (150 Words)
The study tested residents’ tourism support model based on social exchange theory in Thailand. The associations of five independent variables (i.e., perceived economic-gain, eco-centric attitude, positive impact, negative impact, tourism-related jobs) with residents’ support for tourism development were examined. The study findings indicate that when most residents heavily rely on tourism in terms of jobs and income creation, even though they understand negative impacts of tourism, they still support for tourism development. The model may be particularly suitable when the tourism industry is not promoted as the main industry and local residents believe other industries can generate more benefits than the tourism industry.
An Examination of Residents’ Support for Tourism Development in Thailand
The study tested residents’ tourism support model based on social exchange theory in Thailand. The associations of five independent variables (i.e., perceived economic-gain, eco-centric attitude, positive impact, negative impact, tourism-related jobs) with residents’ support for tourism development were examined. The study findings indicate that when most residents heavily rely on tourism in terms of jobs and income creation, even though they understand negative impacts of tourism, they still support for tourism development. The model may be particularly suitable when the tourism industry is not promoted as the main industry and local residents believe other industries can generate more benefits than the tourism industry.
