Journal Article

Sport Tourism Development: The Influence of Place Image, Knowledge, and Perceived Impact on Local Resident Support, Moderated by Tourism Dependency

Kuar, Lok-Sin, Chai, Bobby Boon-Hui, Ng, Lee-Peng, Choong, Yuen-Onn, Kuek, Thiam-Yong, Tee, Chee-Wee, Teoh, Sok-Yee

2025

Overview

This research study aims to examine the mediating effect of perceived impact of sport tourism (PIST), and support for sport tourism (SSTD), and the moderating effect of tourism dependency. Data was collected from 467 local residents using a paper-based survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to test the research model and hypotheses. The findings indicate that both place image and PIST positively influence SSTD. PIST fully mediates the relationship between knowledge about tourism and SSTD, and partially mediates the relationship between place image and SSTD. Additionally, tourism dependency moderates the relationship between place image and SSTD, as well as between PIST and SSTD. These findings highlight the significance of place image and PIST for SSTD among residents and suggest that residents with and without tourism-related businesses may perceive sport tourism development differently. The study’s findings offer valuable insights for local tourism planning and policymaking. Plain language summary How local view on place image and tourism knowledge affect support for sport tourism development, with a focus on tourism dependence This study explores how local residents perceive the impacts of sports tourism and how these perceptions influence their support for sports tourism development. It also examines whether reliance on tourism income affects these relationships. Using survey responses from 467 residents, the study found that a positive image of the local area and perceptions of sports tourism benefits encourage support for its development. Residents with more knowledge about tourism rely on their perceptions of its impacts to decide whether to support it. Additionally, those who depend on tourism income are more likely to support sports tourism, even if they recognize some negative effects. These findings provide practical insights for local residents, local authorities, and government ministries to enhance sports tourism planning by addressing community needs and promoting sustainable development. Engaging residents through community meetings and workshops fosters involvement and addresses concerns. Strategies should highlight benefits like job creation for tourism-dependent residents or improved public amenities for others. Local authorities can educate residents on the advantages of sport tourism and build partnerships to align projects with community needs. Ministries, such as Tourism and Youth & Sports, can provide funding, policy support, and guidance to ensure sustainable growth.

• Publisher: SAGE Publications,SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC,SAGE Publishing
• Subject: Community / Community meetings / Community Needs / Dependency / Income / Job creation / Knowledge / Language planning / Least Squares Statistics / Local authorities / Partnerships / Perceptions / Policy making / Polls & surveys / Residents / Responses / Sports / Structural equation modeling / Structural Equation Models / Sustainability / Sustainable development / Tourism / Tourism development / Workshops