Residents' perceptions of the cultural benefits of tourism

Tourism can have both positive and negative outcomes for residents in communities where sharing and preserving their culture could be seen as conflicting goals. This research used a benefits-based approach to examine the perceptions of cultural tourism by Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents living along the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic byway in southwestern Colorado, the United States. Results showed that while both groups' recognized the value of living along the byway, Hispanic residents felt more strongly that it could provide important cultural benefits to residents and showed greater concern for its management to preserve the distinct cultural atmosphere.(C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.