RESIDENTS ATTITUDES TOWARDS TOURISM - A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY IN SPEY VALLEY, SCOTLAND

Surveys were conducted in 1978 and 1992 to reveal perceptions and attitudes of residents of the Spey Valley, Scotland, towards tourism and related issues. It was found that a remarkable stability in attitudes persisted over the 14-year period and, although most residents are positive towards tourism, through use of an index of consensus it was revealed that negative views had somewhat increased. This can largely be explained by an economic downturn, decline of the main resort facility, and perceived failure of tourism to provide desired benefits - combined with recognition of the area's dependency on tourism. Conclusions are drawn for tourism planning and management in Spey Valley, and regarding the theory and uses of perception and attitude measures.