A study of residents’ attitudes towards the socio-cultural impacts of tourism in the Larnaca region, Republic of Cyprus

Island tourist destinations are eager to embrace the economic benefits associated with tourism development without carefully evaluating tourism impacts through tourism impact assessments and residents' attitude studies so as to avoid serious issues that might arise in the process of a destination's development. This report presents the findings of a study conducted in the Larnaca region, of the Republic of Cyprus. The aim of the study was to explore residents' attitudes towards the socio-cultural impacts of tourism, taking into consideration factors that may play a role in the development of their attitudes (such as characteristics of island destinations), as well as their intention to act upon their attitude The study followed a mixed method approach that enabled the achievement a deeper understanding of residents' attitudes that can aid in the overall further development of the area with the least opposition from the locals. Recommendations derived from the findings indicate that tourism development can be a blessing in disguise, due to its complex and dynamic nature with asymmetrical impacts that need to be closely and continuously monitored. Recommendations are disseminated to the stakeholders of the study, namely the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Municipality of Larnaca that expressed residents' aspirations regarding the overall development of their area. Recommendations emanated from the study include: further promotion of the Larnaca region locally and internationally, further investment in Hospitality and Tourism related facilities, encouragement of sustainable tourism development, dissemination of tourism benefits to the community, residents‟ involvement in decision making and equal opportunities of development amongst all areas of the Republic of Cyprus. In addition to the recommendation given to the stakeholders, suggestions for further areas of research are identified.