Tourism-related impacts as perceived by three resident typology groups in San Pedro, Belize

This study of tourism on Ambergris Caye, Belize compared the perceptions of three different resident typology groups so as to determine how their differing characteristics influenced their particular views on acceptable levels of change pertaining to the impacts associated with tourism development. The study defined three resident typologies, the Developer Tourist, the Condo Tourist and the Native Resident, in order to assess their different perspectives toward the tourism industry based on their involvement in the tourism industry and level of attachment to the destination area. The study utilized secondary data analysis of current development levels, as well as survey questionnaires and in-depth qualitative interviews in order to determine perceptions of the various impacts on a rapidly growing island destination. These methods enabled the researcher to determine whether and in what way the perceptions of the three resident typology groups differed concerning tourism impacts on the economic, environmental and sociocultural conditions of their home community. The findings were also assessed through the use of three theoretical frameworks, McCool's “Limits of Acceptable Change”, Butler's “Tourism Area Life Cycle” and Nielsen et al's “Last Settler Syndrome.” It was believed that the perceptions of each of the three resident groups would best be defined according to a specific development model, with any similarities or overlap of perceptions being of particular relevance. This research has resulted in the opportunity to better explain these differences and move the analysis of tourism development and community planning forward.; It was found that each of the resident groups differ significantly concerning their own perspective of tourism related impacts within their home community. The importance in understanding that these differing perspectives exist within a single development stage and location is necessary to attempt to achieve a consensus among the different residents. Findings also showed that although the three resident groups differed concerning their opinions as to the economic and social costs and benefits of tourism, all three groups agreed that ongoing environmental degradation was a likely outcome and primary concern related to increased tourism development.