Residents' perception of tourist development and the environment: a study from Morocco

Abstract

A perception study of the impacts that a new beach resort has, and will have, on the resident population in the northeast of Morocco was implemented during the construction phase of the resort. The residents have felt the impacts on local development, incomes, quality of life and the environment, and expressed their perception of how the opening of the new site will continue to impact their community. The study shows differences concerning the type of impact according to each professional sector. Despite the different perceptions, residents seem united in their overall concerns and fears about the how the new beach resort will impact the environment.

Keywords:

• perception
• impact
• tourist development
• Morocco
• environment