Attitudes of Urban Residents’ Toward Tourism: Evidence from Bishkek

Abstract

On a global scale, tourism is an actively developing industry, which is of great importance for the development of the economy of many regions of the world. Satisfaction of the local population with the development of tourism is closely related to the opportunities for active participation in the decision-making process on tourism development. The level of satisfaction with tourism can show the feelings and attitude of the residents toward tourism, and in particular, to tourists. Satisfied local people are more hospitable and willing to provide tourists with the necessary products and services. This paper aims to study the attitude of urban residents towards tourism and its development on the basis of a survey conducted among residents of Bishkek by random sampling. Bishkek is the capital of the country and the largest number of registered economic entities in the tourism sector is focused in Bishkek. Respondents (N=190) attitude toward tourism varied according to their age, education, gender, marital status. The study showed that urban residents have a mostly benevolent and supportive attitude to tourism. Among the negative consequences expected from tourism development is related with the risk of rising prices in accommodation facilities. The results can be useful for policy makers, business representatives, local government and researchers.