Crisis-driven shifts in resident pro-tourism behaviour

Abstract

ABSTRACT Economic crises significantly shape residents’ perceptions of tourism, impacting their pro- or anti-tourism behaviours. This study integrates social exchange theory and Weber's theory to explore how perceived economic crisis (PEC) influences residents’ prioritization of economic and non-economic values in tourism. Using multigroup analysis (MGA) in two historical Iranian destinations (Isfahan and Shiraz), we find that higher PEC levels correlate with more positive attitudes towards tourism and support for its growth. More importantly, the structural relationships among economic benefit, psychological empowerment, social empowerment, resident perception, and pro-tourism behaviour, differed across residents due to varying levels of PEC. These findings shed light on the nuanced interplay between PEC, residents’ perceptions, and pro-tourism behaviours.