A longitudinal study of the residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts using data from the sunshine coast Australia

Abstract

This study investigates whether there has been a change in residents’ perceptions of living and tourism impacts, on the Sunshine Coast, in 2009 from their perceptions of 2008. In 2009 more respondents reported that lifestyle and general pace of life were the key attractions of living on the Sunshine Coast. The results also demonstrate a signifi cant increase in residents’ perceptions that tourism is likely to have a positive impact on the cultural identity of the community. The study also found that between 2008 and 2009 there was a signifi cant decrease in the residents’ concerns re- garding traffi c congestion; noise and pollution; crime rates; destruction of the natural environment; and unpleasantly overcrowded beaches, and bush walking paths, parks and outdoor facilities in the community. The research, however, reveals no signifi cant differences in the residents’ perceptions of conservation of natural resources; creation of employment; and the possibility of having more cul- tural exchange between tourists and residents due to tourism. Overall, these fi ndings are favourable for tourism-related stakeholders in developing future tourism plans for the region in that residents’ appear to be more willing to support tourism development.