Tourism Impact Dimensions, Residents’ Quality of Life and Support for Tourism in Hunza Valley, Pakistan

Abstract

Tourism is one of the substantially growing economic sectors in the Hunza valley of Pakistan. This tourism growth is attributable to factors that not only shape residents’ quality of life but also their tourism support. This paper posits that residents’ perception of tourism impact dimensions (social, economic, environmental, and cultural) influences residents’ quality of life, which in turn affects their support for tourism in the valley. The empirical analysis of data collected from 561 respondents shows social, economic, and cultural dimensions of tourism as significant positive predictors of residents’ quality of life. In turn, quality of life partially mediates tourism impact (economic, social, and cultural) on residents’ support for tourism. The paper also discusses practical implications and research limitations.