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In the context of resident and tourist relationships in a destination, perspectives of the former are rarely considered. This is likely a function of the continued attention paid to studies focusing on the former in addressing sociocultural impacts of tourism. This work examines the relationship as perceived by tourists, utilizing the theoretical framework of emotional solidarity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the four constructs (i.e., shared beliefs, shared behavior, interaction, and emotional solidarity) within Durkheim's model. This works shows continued support for the framework with each of the antecedent constructs significantly predicting emotional solidarity, explaining approximately 55% of the variance in the construct. Implications and limitations of the work along with future research opportunities are discussed.

Building on common identity theory and intergroup contact theory, this study sought to further understanding of people–place relationships by developing a holistic theoretical model to scrutinize place attachment as an antecedent of social distance, mediated by emotional solidarity and moderated by frequency of contact between tourists and residents. Visitor data analyzed with SEM revealed that place dependence is a significant predictor of social distance given it affects affinity positively and avoidance negatively, both of which are mediated by the three dimensions of emotional solidarity. Furthermore, the mediated relationships (via emotional solidarity) between place attachment and social distance vary by level of visitors’ frequency of interaction with residents. This study expands current theorization by examining the merits of emotional solidarity as an affective link in a tourist cognitive-behavioral model. From a practical standpoint, DMOs need to understand these construct linkages and include residents in their marketing strategies to increase repeat visitation.

In an effort to attract tourists, rural communities promote their festivals that are unique to the area and local culture. An examination of impacts beyond those of a monetary nature is rarely undertaken by these communities. Furthermore, the role that the relationship between residents and tourists plays in explaining perceived impacts of these festivals is nonexistent. The current work utilizes the Emotional Solidarity Scale in an effort to predict Caldwell, Texas, residents' perceived impacts of hosting the Kolache Festival through the Festival Social Impact Attitude Scale. Results reveal strong measures of reliability and validity for each scale. Considering the relationship between emotional solidarity and perceived impacts of the festival, results showed that Emotional Solidarity Scale factors explained a considerable degree of variance (i.e., 29% to 36%) in the resulting Festival Social Impact Attitude Scale factors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed along with limitations and opportunities for future research concerning this line of research.