Satisfaction with living conditions – the role of tourism

Purpose. Considering the impact that tourism generates in host communities, this study aims to determine, among other factors, the role of tourism, especially the impact that its development and the management of destinations have on residents’ satisfaction with living conditions. Methodology. In order to collect data from residents of two neighbouring coastal destination (Rijeka and Opatija, Croatia), an onsite and online questionnaire survey was conducted from the beginning of March to the end of June 2023. 287 usable questionnaires were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to create the sample profile. Principal component analysis was performed to reduce the dimensionality of large data sets (satisfaction with living conditions and perceived destination management of the coastal destination). A regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors influencing residents' satisfaction with living conditions (county well-being). Findings. The results show that satisfaction with destination management and the perceived positive impact of tourism are significant predictors of residents’ satisfaction with living conditions. On the other hand, the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, the perceived negative impacts, coastal management issues and the level of participation in tourism activities do not show statistically significant effects on satisfaction. Contribution. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, the perceived impact of tourism and participation in destination management processes, this study model also includes satisfaction with destination management and attitudes towards coastal management issues, factors that have not previously been considered in this type of research.