Hosts perceptions of tourism and its impacts: a case of four Slovene communities

Abstract

The study focuses on the emerging tourism industry in four communities in the Eastern Slovenia at different level of tourism development. Using social exchange theory, the research explores rural residents' perceptions of the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism. The paper examines the differences and similarities in perceptions between two groups of respondents: residents employed in tourism business and other residents. The findings suggest that there are more similarities between the two groups than expected in terms of the positive impacts of tourism. However, non-industry residents expressed more concern about the negative socio-cultural and environmental impacts. Residents' perceptions of positive and negative impacts tourism varied in communities under different stages of tourism development. However, contrary to expectations, residents in advanced stages of tourism were not more antagonistic towards tourism. Finally, the residents' satisfaction with tourism is significantly higher in destination in development and consolidation stages than in the mature stage.