Project title
The Resident Sentiment Index Validation in a Japanese Context
Research Unit
Primary investigator
Co investigators
Cathy H.C. Hsu （The Hong Kong Polytechnic University）,
Nan Chen （The Hong Kong Polytechnic University）,
Kimo Boukamba （Wakayama University）
Project period
2019/5/16 ～ 2020/3/31
Project summary
In recent years, the sudden increase in the number of international tourists has brought significant economic effects. However, the consequences of over-tourism, such as crowding in tourist destinations and traffic jams, have also become a serious problem. Therefore, for developing sustainable tourist destinations, plans must be strategized toward international tourists, and residents’ attitudes and sentiments toward such visitors should be understood. On the basis of two pillar theories for resident attitude studies, namely, social exchange theory (SET) and social representations theory (SRT), this study aims to validate the conceptual model of resident sentiment toward tourists (Chen, Hsu & Li, 2017), clarify how residents recognize international tourists, and identify the attitudes of residents toward international tourists. Moreover, according to the proposed model of resident sentiment (Hsu, Li & Chen, 2016), this study adds “emotional solidarity” and “cultural distance” as new variables in exploring resident sentiment and attitude formation. Thus, proper policies and government communication strategies for both residents and tourists can be developed to cultivate socially sustainable tourism development.
Activity reports
The main achievements of the research project are showed below.
- Through the 40 interviews (Kyoto and Wakayama 20 interviews respectively), Japanese residents’ attitudes toward Chinese tourists have been clarified. Based on the results of interviews, the main variables of resident sentiments have been extracted (Step 1).
- Based on the main variables extracted in step 1, a nation-wide online survey for the age between 20 and 69 (male and female) has been conducted. The model with inter-relationship among different variables has been built. (Step 2)
- The theoretical background and results of interviews have been presented at Critical Tourism Studies in March, 2020.
- This research project is only a beginning of joint research between Wakayama University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The relationship between the two university has been definitely fastened for the further co-operations.
