Project Description
This research explores the differing perceptions of Spanish and foreign residents in Jávea
regarding the impact of tourism on their local community. By addressing the research question
“How do Spanish and foreign residents in Jávea perceive tourism’s impact on their local
community differently?”. This study takes a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data has
been collected through surveys, whereas in-depth interviews provide qualitative insights. The
analysis will reveal the diverse viewpoints held by local and foreign residents, shedding light on
the social, environmental, and economic effects of tourism in Jávea. The analysis reveals that
both groups acknowledge the economic benefits of tourism but also express concerns about
cultural loss, environmental degradation, busy roads, parking difficulties, and increased noise
disturbances. The findings indicate that the perceptions of tourism are largely similar between
the two groups, with both addressing the same complaints and benefits. However, some
differences are noted, the Mann Whitney U test indicates that foreign residents perceive an
increase in organized crime due to tourism more than Spanish residents, and they are also better
able to cope with rising prices due to higher disposable incomes. Conversely, Spanish residents
feel more economically pressured, potentially leading to displacement from their family homes.
These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of tourism’s multifaceted impacts and
inform the broader field of tourism research. The study recommends that the Jávea tourism office
adopt sustainable tourism practices that prioritize residents’ well-being, balancing economic
growth with cultural and environmental preservation.
Author: S. van Baal (2024)
Image APA reference:
(Tripkay.com, 2021)
Tripkay.com. (2021, June 15). Tripkay. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://tripkay.com/destination-guides/en/destination/spanish-coast/costa-blanca/javea/
