An Examination of Factors influencing attitude towards tourism in Goa

Abstract

To strategically utilize resources to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and increasing the social support for tourism development, the present study examined the residents of six talukas of North Goa by using the model developed by Perdue et al. (1990); later extended by Me Gehee, et al. (2002); and also based on social exchange theory; tried to determine whether personal characteristics and personal benefits from tourism influence perception of tourism as well as support for tourism development, and what factors influence support for tourism development and management. The result indicated that personal characteristics were not good predictors of resident's attitude tourism impacts with an exception of age, education, and birthplace. Personal benefits from tourism predicted positive impacts of tourism, negative impacts of tourism and also support for additional tourism, which was in consistent with Perdue et al. (1990) and Me Gehee et al. (2002) but support for social exchange theory showed mixed result, as personal benefit was not a significant predictor of tourism planning while support for additional tourism did predict tourism planning. However, while support for additional tourism did predict tourism planning, it showed a positive relationship as reported by Me Gehee et al. (2002) and not a negative one as reported by Perdue et al. (1990). Contrary to the findings of both Perdue et al. (1990) and Me Gehee et al. (2002), the positive impact did predict tourism planning but was negatively related to it. The overall findings support previous assertions that educating local residents about the potential benefits of tourism is critical in obtaining their support for tourism, enhancing their involvement in the industry, and achieving sustainable community development.