Residents’ trust in Aruban tourism organizations and their willingness to participate in tourism development

Local participation in tourism development is increasingly important. Using Aruba – a tourism-dependent economy – as a case study, this research examines how locals’ knowledge, perceived costs, and perceived benefits of tourism affect their trust in key tourism organizations. Trust in government is known to encourage community involvement, yet the connection between tourism development and residents’ political trust remains underexplored. The methods employed in a quantitative study surveyed Aruban residents to determine whether trust in tourism entities influences their future willingness to engage in tourism development. Findings show that knowledge and perceived benefits of tourism partially shape trust in these organizations, which in turn partially drives locals’ willingness to participate. Trust in both the Ministry and the Aruba Tourism Authority modestly influences willingness to participate in tourism development, consistent with prior research. The study offers valuable insights for both academic research and practical applications.