Psychological empowerment and place identity: enhancing resident support for sustainable tourism in a highland retreat, Vietnam

Purpose This study examines the role of psychological empowerment in fostering resident support for tourism in Da Lat, Vietnam. It investigates how psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between place identity and residents’ attitudes, offering new insights into community engagement in sustainable tourism development. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in place identity, psychological empowerment, and social exchange theories, the research employs Structural Equation Modeling with Smart-PLS to examine how psychological empowerment enhances resident support for tourism in Da Lat, Vietnam. Findings The study finds that psychological empowerment fully mediates the relationship between residents’ place identity and their support for tourism. Among place identity dimensions, place distinctiveness plays a stronger role, while place-based self-esteem is less influential. Although some residents express moderate concerns about tourism’s impact on community character, psychological empowerment helps mitigate these perceptions and fosters supportive attitudes. Practical implications The findings suggest that tourism planners and policymakers can enhance resident support by fostering psychological empowerment through participatory planning, cultural recognition, and inclusive engagement that gives residents a meaningful voice in tourism development. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that the direct relationship between place identity and tourism support is insignificant; psychological empowerment fully mediates this connection. This insight highlights the critical role of psychological factors in shaping resident support for tourism, offering a deeper understanding of how empowerment can transform community attitudes. By advancing the theoretical framework linking place identity, psychological empowerment, and tourism support, the study offers practical insights for fostering resilient, sustainable tourism development.