The contribution of the local population to tourist experiences

Abstract of this study

The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of how local residents in tourism destinations perceive their role in creating tourism experiences.

Qualitative research was conducted with 16 local residents in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a tourism hotspot in Germany. The study used thematic analysis combined with qualitative content analysis to identify different themes associated with the creation of tourism experiences by hosts and guests.

The results show how diverse local residents contribute to tourism experiences. A model was developed that proposes a distinction between active and passive contribution to tourism experiences. Little evidence was found that the concept of co-creation plays a role in host-guest relationships, which contradicts other sources of literature.

The chosen qualitative research approach does notallow for generalization of the research findings. The study of perceptions also raises epistemological questions. This work contains implications for improved internal marketing strategies and the involvement of local residents in the development of tourism destinations.

Findings of this study

• Diverse contributions of local residents to the tourist experience: The study shows that local residents contribute to the tourist experience in a variety of ways. These contributions can be both active and passive:
  • Active contributions include professional roles in tourism (e.g. in restaurants, hotels, souvenir stores or as rangers), where providing good services is perceived as important for positive tourist experiences. Even professions that are not directly related to tourism (e.g. forestry) can have a connection to tourism through the provision of information. Locals also actively contribute by organizing and participating in cultural events and festivals, which are seen as important for the identity of locals, but also create value for tourists and provide opportunities for interaction.
  • Passive contributions include everyday interactions and the mere sharing of public spaces. Appearance, especially wearing traditional clothing, can allow tourists to identify locals and observe their lifestyle, which also contributes to the tourist experience
• Low evidence for co-creation: Contrary to existing literature, little evidence was found that the concept of co-creation plays a role in the relationships between hosts and guests. While cultural events showed evidence of co-creation processes between locals and tourists, the definition of co-creation in the study contradicts a purely passive interaction such as simply informing.
• Factors that inhibit deeper host-guest relationships:
  • Shorter lengths of stay of visitors:inside
  • Changing business models in tourism: A trend towards more anonymous offers such as vacation apartments with key handover by cleaning staff leads to less personal contact
  • Developments on the labor market: The hiring of non-local staff in the tourism industry, often from other countries, reduces the opportunities for interaction with locals
  • Intercultural differences: difficulties in dealing with tourists from certain cultures (e.g. veiled tourists or Russian guests) can inhibit interaction
• Community attachment and tourism mindset: The study suggests that community attachment can play an important role in the engagement of local residents in tourism. Locals who were born or raised in Garmisch-Partenkirchen were more inclined to interact with tourists and thus contribute to their experiences. This is associated with the long tradition of tourism and a generally positive attitude towards tourism development and its benefits

Publication: Dominik Huber & Sven Gross (2021)