Perceived realism, place attachment, and residents' support and involvement: Towards resident-centric film tourism development

This study introduces the concept of perceived realism to (film) tourism studies and examines its effect in combination with place attachment on residents' support for and involvement in film tourism development. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) were applied to a sample of 401 Barcelona residents to explore both symmetrical and asymmetrical relationships among the research constructs. The PLS-SEM revealed that events-focused external realism affects residents' support for film tourism development, while narrative realism affects their involvement in film tourism development. In addition, place attachment directly affects residents' support for and involvement in film tourism development. The fsQCA identified asymmetrical configurations among different perceived realism dimensions and place attachment in explaining residents' support for and involvement in film tourism development. The study offers practical implications for local institutional stakeholders, such as the creation of a cultural consultation film hub to get local residents involved. • The study introduces the concept of perceived realism to (film) tourism studies. • Events-centred external realism affects residents' support for film tourism. • Narrative realism affects residents' involvement in film tourism development. • Place attachment directly affects residents' support for and involvement. • The study offers practical proposals for local institutional stakeholders.