Residents' Attitudes Towards Tourism Impacts: A Case Study of Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

This article investigates the residents' attitudes toward tourism impacts in Shiraz, Iran. The study demonstrates that there are broadly similar attitudes towards tourism impacts among the local leaders and residents. According to the results, the favorable attitudes are found to be linked with its sociocultural impacts, while environmental and economic matters are found to be the least favorable in terms of the perceived impacts of tourism. The t-test analysis of the study indicates that there is no significant difference between the leaders' attitudes in both districts of Shiraz. Results drawn from focus group discussion with the local residents also show that the residents have positive attitudes toward tourism impacts on their communities.