Is it a persistent ailment for the city? Urban resident perceptions and attitudes toward informal employment in tourism

Informal employment in tourism is an important component of urban economies. A mixed-method approach using a questionnaire survey combined with in-depth interviews was used to analyze urban resident perceptions and attitudes toward tourism informal employment in Beijing, while considering the residents as both hosts and consumers. The results showed that: (1) resident perceptions toward tourism informal entrepreneurs are positive and negative, and the latter is comparatively stronger. (2) Favorable evaluations positively influence retention willingness and regulate management willingness. (3) Negative evaluations negatively influence retention willingness whist positively influencing regulative management willingness. (4) Retention willingness negatively influences regulative management willingness. (5) Consumption experience moderates the relationship between retention willingness and regulative management willingness. This study extends the theoretical research on informal employment and informs decision-making for effective city management.