Host perceptions of backpackers: Examining the influence of intergroup contact

Xianrong Luo, Graham Brown and Huang, Songshan (Sam)

Tourism Management, 2015, vol. 50, issue C, 292-305

Abstract: Drawing on Intergroup Contact Theory, this study examines the effect of contact between hosts and backpackers on host perceptions of backpackers. Survey data collected from people employed in the accommodation sector (N = 416) in Lijiang, China found that contact enhances hosts' understanding of backpackers and helps hosts evaluate backpackers' impact in a more positive way. The effect of both quantity and quality of host–backpacker contact was determined and quality was found to be more influential. The study also found that the perceptions of backpackers mediated the effect of the quality of host–backpacker contact on host evaluations of backpacker impacts. The results help explain the findings of previous studies and indicate directions for improving the relationship between hosts and tourists.

Keywords: Intergroup Contact Theory; Host–backpacker contact; Perception of backpacker; Evaluation of backpacker impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:touman:v:50:y:2015:i:c:p:292-305

DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2015.03.009

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