Composite indicators for deep diving into residents’ perception of tourism impacts

Abstract Tourism significantly influences the socio-cultural, environmental, and economic dynamics of destination areas. Understanding how residents perceive these effects is essential for sustainable tourism development. This study proposes a hierarchical framework to identify the key dimensions shaping residents’ perceptions of the tourism phenomenon, integrating Economic, Socio-cultural, and Environmental factors, along with Quality of Life and Attitudes towards Tourism. Moreover, the findings highlight critical areas requiring intervention to enhance tourism sustainability and maximize local benefits. Using survey data, Second-Order Disjoint Factor Analysis is applied to construct composite indicators that synthesize complex multidimensional information. Additionally, Second-Order Multi-group Analysis is employed to assess potential group differences, while Analysis of Means provides further insights into how residents’ perceptions differ across demographic segments. This integrated methodological approach offers a comprehensive framework for assessing tourism impacts. Furthermore, its adaptability across different contexts makes it a valuable tool for future research and policy development.