Residents’ perceptions of a World Heritage property: a multivariate analysis

A UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation significantly boosts economic perceptions among residents of the Alto Douro Wine Region, particularly in tourism and commerce sectors. However, nearly half of viticulture owners report negative impacts on economic revenue, challenging the assumption that WHS status universally benefits local economies. This study employs multivariate analysis—including categorical principal components, cluster analysis, and multinomial logit modeling—to segment resident perceptions, revealing distinct group interests such as wine producers, tourism workers, and commercial stakeholders. The findings contribute to the broader debate on the perceived effects of WHS listings, offering nuanced insights that contrast with previous research by focusing on community-specific perspectives.

Lourenço-Gomes, L., Rebelo, J. F., & Ribeiro, C. (2019). Residents’ perceptions of a World Heritage property: a multivariate analysis. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 9(2), 212–226. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-03-2017-0010