Communities must anticipate positive and negative outcomes with the relevant and equitable involvement of stakeholders. Based on stakeholder theory (ST), theory of change and tourism quality of life (QOL) research, this study investigates the perceptions of stakeholders with respect to the impacts of tourism and sustainability initiatives in a destination community.
A mixed-method multi-study research approach was undertaken as part of a tourism planning process. Residents, tourists and business leaders responded to a survey to estimate perceptions and evaluations of several variables. Focus groups with nonprofit leaders and public lands managers enhanced the quantitative studies.
Across measures, stakeholders were different. Business leaders were more positive about the impact of tourism, followed by tourists, then residents. Residents supported sustainability initiatives more strongly than other groups. Qualitative results found that stakeholders perceive the same problems and uplifted collaboration to manage and positively transform tourism.
ST and theory of change offered strong theoretical frameworks to study diverse groups in a collaborative tourism planning process. Together, the two theories offer promise for the study of community transformation highlighting the importance of an inclusive approach to citizen engagement and research-based decision-making.
The research contributes to the nexus of stakeholder and social change theories by engaging multiple stakeholder groups in a collaborative, transformative tourism planning process. It positions ST as a transformative theory, especially when combined with social change theory. It demonstrates the ecological validity of the research; findings reflected the actual perspective of people in the community and resulted in actionable recommendations.
