This study investigates whether local residents’ sociodemographics and community attachment can influence their perceptions toward the impact of tourism (economic, environmental, and sociocultural effects) and, further, whether these perceptions influence their satisfaction with local tourism management. The perceptions of 467 residents were surveyed from six communities in the region of Petra, Jordan. The results of a regression analysis indicate that the respondents’ sociodemographics and community attachment influence their perceptions of the impacts of tourism. Gender and distance from tourist sites are found to be very important factors that influence local residents’ perceptions. In addition, the perceived economic impact is the most important aspect for these respondents, and perceived negative impacts do not significantly influence their satisfaction. Suggestions for future studies in the region and possible implications are discussed.
This study calls into question whether international aid agencies have involved relevant stakeholders in the tourism development planning process of the Petra region. The paper determines the advantages of the stakeholders' participation in the tourism planning and development process by reviewing related literature; then, an intensive desk research has been performed to the localization of the study, to establish a platform to answer the study's question. The study relies on a qualitative data analysis, by conducting a deductive direct content analysis of the planning documents of the Petra region throughout the period of 1968-2014. Inviting the international organization to address development plans did not help the region's stakeholders to reap the rewards, because the stakeholders did not participate effectively in the planning process. Moreover, the study revealed several barriers to stakeholders' participation in the region. This study contributes to the advantages of the stakeholders' integration in the tourism development planning process also it sheds the light on different barriers to tourism planning.
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