Community Residents’ Attitudes towards Tourism Development after the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco

Abstract

residents' attitudes toward tourism. The development of tourism destinations in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, including local residents. Therefore, it is important to understand residents' thoughts and attitudes regarding tourism development after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on residents and tourism, and the willingness of residents to support tourism development after the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve the objectives of the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the residents of Ait Ben Haddou. This study provides an in-depth understanding of how this pandemic is affecting the attitudes of Ait Ben Haddou residents and how this will affect tourism development post-COVID-19. The results show that residents understand that tourism is important to their region and are willing to support it. However, COVID-19 has caused negative economic impacts that have caused many residents who rely on tourism to withdraw. The study recommends that tourism planners should develop plans and strategies to address the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 disaster and ensure that the impacts of future disasters on tourism and residents are mitigated. Otherwise, COVID-19 could lead to negative repercussions and affect the future development of tourism. Keywords: COVID-19, Tourism development, Tourism recovery, Tourism impacts, Residents’ attitudes, Community