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Human psychology as a driver of tourism development: The effect of regional personality traits

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  • Li, Yuan (William)
  • Liu, Yi
  • Wan, Lisa C.
  • Lin, Yingxin

Abstract

Theories of tourism development have traditionally emphasized resource-based factors. However, could the local population's psychological characteristics (e.g., personality) influence tourism development? This study, through the lens of geographical psychology, investigates the impact of regional Big-Five personality traits on tourism development in the UK from 2009 to 2018. Findings reveal that a region's psychological makeup matters for tourism. Specifically, regional Openness traits boost local tourism development, while Neuroticism traits inhibit tourism performance. Regional Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness traits show no significant effects. We provide causal evidence for these results through instrumental variable tests. Our work introduces a novel micro-psychological perspective to tourism development literature and urges policymakers to consider the local population's psychological characteristics for achieving competitive and sustainable tourism development.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Yuan (William) & Liu, Yi & Wan, Lisa C. & Lin, Yingxin, 2024. "Human psychology as a driver of tourism development: The effect of regional personality traits," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:109:y:2024:i:c:s0160738324001294
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2024.103852
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