Empirical Validation of a Theoretical Model Capable of Investigating the Antecedents of Resident Support for Responsible Event Tourism
Resident Support; Event Tourism; Responsible Tourism.
Event tourism has become a significant strategy for territorial development, promoting economic, sociocultural, and environmental benefits for host communities. However, the lack of planning and responsible management can undermine its social acceptance, especially in peripheral and emerging tourist destinations. In this context, it is essential to study which factors may influence residents’ support for the activity, particularly when associated with the principles of responsible tourism, which involves an ethical, participatory approach that is sensitive to local specificities. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the interrelationships among factors that may affect residents’ support for responsible event tourism, proposing and validating a theoretical model based on Social Exchange Theory (SET), Self- Perception Theory (SPT), and the constructs of governance, community involvement, and place attachment. This is a qualitative-quantitative study with an explanatory design, and data collection will be carried out through a survey (questionnaire) administered to residents of Baía Formosa (RN), an emerging destination on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Data analysis will involve multivariate statistical techniques, particularly exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, as well as structural equation modeling, using a multi-group perspective. The study aims to identify and analyze the interrelationships among key factors influencing community support for responsible event tourism and to empirically validate the proposed model, contributing to the development of more equitable, participatory, and responsible strategies and public policies in tourist destinations.