Residents' adaptation to intensive tourism development

Abstract

Intensive tourism development in Croatia neither improved nor reduced overall life satisfaction; however, there was a modest but statistically significant negative effect on happiness. The residents were not entirely capable of managing emotional distress, with social psychological factors the main source of negative affections. While crowding stress negatively affected perceived quality of life, it was not an important predictor of support for tourism. Residents' support was not associated with the regional differences in perceived net benefits from tourism. The findings underline the importance of monitoring residents' psychological well-being, adaptation mechanisms, and the historical and social context in which preferences are formed. The risk of overtourism in Croatian destinations may be masked by the status quo bias and maladaptive coping mechanisms.