Residents’ responses to tourism as an indicator of destination development

ABSTRACT With the aim of designating a destination’s stage of development by examining local residents’ responses to tourism, this study links local response theories and the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model, providing an easy-to-operate approach to evaluate a destination’s stage of development. By examining the local responses from two destinations in China with similar attractions and connecting their response features with the TALC model, the authors designate the two destinations studied as at consolidation and development stages, respectively. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the features of destination development at various stages and highlights the importance of local responses as a key indicator that should be addressed in destination planning and management.