Local support factors in integrated resort development: a study of Japanese residents

Purpose This study aims to investigate the perceived positive and negative impacts of integrated resort (IR) development in Japan from the residents’ perspectives. It explored how these impacts affected residents’ perceived benefits and support for IR development, comparing two locations: the host prefecture and its neighboring prefectures. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 232 residents in Osaka Prefecture (the host prefecture) and 254 residents in the neighboring prefectures in the Kansai region. The hypotheses were tested via structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis. Findings The results revealed that positive social and environmental impacts significantly enhanced residents’ perceived benefits, which in turn increased their support for IR development in both host and neighboring groups. Positive economic impact significantly influenced residents’ support only in the host prefecture. Negative social impact significantly affected residents’ support only in the host group, while negative economic impact significantly influenced residents’ support only in the neighboring group. Practical implications By empirically examining the factors that influence local support in both host and neighboring areas, this research aids IR operators and policymakers in successfully implementing IR development. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first theory-driven study on how residents’ perceived impacts, perceived benefits and location affect their support for IR development among Japanese residents. This study also provides a foundation for follow-up studies to conduct longitudinal research and compare their findings with those of this study.