An Examination of Factors Influencing Residents’ Perception of the Impacts of Tourism in Goa

To strategically utilize resources to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and increasing the social support for tourism development, the present study examined the residents of the State of Goa by using the model developed by Perdue et al. (1990); later extended by Mc Gehee, et al. (2002); and also based on social exchange theory; tried to determine whether personal characteristics and personal benefits from tourism influence perception of tourism as well as support for tourism development, and what factors influence support for tourism development and management. The result indicated that personal characteristics were not good predictors of resident's attitude tourism impacts with an exception of age, education, and birthplace. Personal benefits from tourism predicted positive impacts of tourism, negative impacts of tourism and also support for additional tourism, which was consistent with Perdue et al. (1990) and Mc Gehee et al. (2002).The research supported social exchange theory as personal benefit and support for additional tourism were significant predictors of tourism planning. However, while support for additional tourism did predict tourism planning, it showed a positive relationship as reported by Mc Gehee et al. (2002) and not a negative one as reported by Perdue et al. (1990). The overall findings support previous assertions that educating local residents about the potential benefits of tourism is critical in obtaining their support for tourism, enhancing their involvement in the industry, and achieving sustainable community development.