Handbook of Research on Resident and Tourist Perspectives on Travel Destinations

Book excerpt: Tourism is an economic and social phenomenon that is centered on a tourist’s experience and is dependent on the experiences that are co-created and provided to tourists. Tourism destination managers must understand what tourists perceive as engaging, intense, and memorable in order to remain successful. However, care must also be given to the residents’ perception of local tourism development and how it impacts their community. This is a fundamental aspect for tourism development since host communities that support tourism development tend to be more hospitable with tourists, which influences their satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, the interaction with residents of host communities is a crucial component of the quality of the tourist experience, contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of destinations. The The Handbook of Research on Resident and Tourist Perspectives on Travel Destinations is a collection of innovative research that examines travel destinations from the resident and tourist perspectives in order to better support and inform the tourism development process and to make the destinations attractive to visitors while at the same time contributing to resident quality of life and happiness. While highlighting topics including sustainable development, hotel management, and customer satisfaction, this book is ideally designed for government officials, tour developers, travel agencies, brand managers, advertising agencies, restaurateurs, public administrators, hotel managers, tourist industry professionals, academicians, researchers, and students.