The role of residents’ apathy in tourism: a tourist perspective

Abstract

Residents’ apathy has been considered a cultural barrier to community participation. To test and conceptualize residents’ apathy, this study aims to filling a gap by proposing a theoretical model and testing it in three different destinations, namely, Lisbon (Portugal), Isfahan (Iran) and Olbia (Italy). Three convenience samples were used for the purposes. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test and validate the model. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by validating a conceptual model that aims to analyse how residents’ apathy (i.e. lack of interest, lack of initiative, alienation and environmental-based apathy), as perceived by tourists, affects the host-guest interaction and perceived service quality and visitors’ behavioural intentions. Managerial implications and future research are discussed.