The Role of the Local Host Community’s Involvement in the Development of Tourism: A Case Study of the Residents’ Perceptions toward Tourism on the Route of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

Residents along the UNESCO-listed Route of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) overwhelmingly view tourism positively, though the study underscores the need for greater community involvement in its development. Conducted via an online survey across seven Galician cities at the start of 2021, this research captured firsthand perceptions of locals regarding tourism's economic, social, and cultural impacts on their communities and the broader region. While tourism is seen as a driver of growth and employment, the findings highlight that its benefits are not fully realized without active engagement from host communities. This case study offers actionable insights for policymakers, planners, and experts, both in Galicia and globally, to balance tourism's advantages with sustainable development practices.

Soares, J.-R.-R., Casado-Claro, M.-F., Lezcano-González, M.-E., Sánchez-Fernández, M.-D., Gabriel, L.-P.-M.-C., & Abríl-Sellarés, M. (2021). The Role of the Local Host Community’s Involvement in the Development of Tourism: A Case Study of the Residents’ Perceptions toward Tourism on the Route of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Sustainability, 13(17), 9576. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179576