Role of positive and negative tourism impacts in shaping residents’ support for sustainable religious tourism: a case study of Lumbini, Nepal

Residents of Lumbini, Nepal, prioritize economic benefits over environmental concerns when supporting religious tourism, revealing a complex trade-off mindset. A household survey conducted between September 2022 and January 2023 found that social, cultural, and economic advantages significantly influence local attitudes toward tourism, even in the face of ecological drawbacks. This nuanced perspective challenges unidimensional assessments and strengthens the explanatory power of Social Exchange Theory. The study suggests that disaggregating positive and negative impacts provides deeper insights into resident perceptions, offering actionable guidance for policymakers to balance tourism development with sustainability while fostering community engagement.

Mondol, T., Panthee, S., & Hwang, Y.-H. (2025). Role of positive and negative tourism impacts in shaping residents’ support for sustainable religious tourism: a case study of Lumbini, Nepal. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 31(6), 1097–1114. https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2025.2556199