Quality-of-Life Perception among Young Residents and Visitors: The Impact of COVID-19

Abstract

This research intends to measure the quality of life (QoL) perception, from the perspective of residents and tourists towards Coimbra, a city with an important World Heritage Site, as classified by UNESCO. In these times, preserving tangible and intangible heritage is so important for future memories. Identifying the QoL perceptions through the eyes of residents and tourists allows the improvement of the community well-being of the destination for both stakeholders. Starting from this assumption, this study aims to: (i) measure the tourists’ and residents’ perceptions on quality of life (QoL); (ii) analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on QoL perceptions, both from the tourists’ and residents’ perspective. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire was disseminated to residents and tourists in two different phases, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that in general, residents and tourists exhibited, in both periods, medium and high perceptions of QoL, with an exception made for the Urban Issues domain that decreased even more during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results show, for residents and tourists, that the perception of Urban Issues, Way of Life, Community Pride and Awareness, Economic Strength, and Recreation Amenities impact significantly and positively their Community Well-Being perception. New paths for academics and for practitioners are presented at the end, as well as limitations and evidence for future research.