The effect of community involvement and perceived impact on residents’ overall well-being: Evidence in Malang marine tourism

Abstract

This study investigates and examines the relationship between community involvement in the tourism development community and its perceived environmental, sociocultural, and economic impacts on the welfare of local tourism residents. A quantitative approach is used in this study. This involved the design of a questionnaire as a research instrument, and its distribution to 175 respondents who are local residents of the coast of Malang Regency. PLS-SEM was used to analyze the data. The results of the study indicate that all direct relationships contribute a negative but not significant effect to the perceived economic impact on resident well-being. Furthermore, the mediating role of perceived tourism impact on the relationship between community involvement and resident well-being shows that perceived economic impact mediates negatively but not significantly. Conversely, perceived environmental and sociocultural impacts mediate positively and significantly. Tourism, as a basis for social and economic influence on local communities involved in the development of tourist destinations, certainly needs to be considered. The measurement of local people’s perceptions of welfare in the tourism sector can empirically capture existing conditions.

Keywords:

• community involvement
• perceived tourism impact
• resident well-being
• social exchange theory

1. Introduction

The involvement of the community in tourism planning processes is recommended as a means of community participation in decision-making and appropriate implementation to achieve sustainable tourism. Community-based tourism has emerged as an approach that can address local issues that directly influence the tourist experience, and the development of the tourism environment should be created in harmony with the social climate (Okazaki, 2008; Park et al., 2017. Furthermore, public involvement serves as a driving force to protect the tourism environment and the cultural heritage of the community as part of the tourism product (Wilopo et al., 2020), thereby promoting improvements in social culture and the tourism-related economy. Therefore, to enhance the feasibility and longevity of the tourism sector, the community-based tourism approach should be linked to the overall impacts of tourism development perceived by the community (Jaafar et al., 2020; Lv & Xie, 2017).

The importance of community involvement has attracted numerous researchers to explore this topic from various perspectives (e.g., Choi & Murray, 2010; Nuanmeesri, 2021; Robinson et al., 2019). In recent years, regional destinations in Indonesia have embraced the concept of community-based tourism in alignment with government policies pertaining to the development of domestic tourism (Sutawa, 2012). In particular, the implementation of community-based tourism is motivated by the potential of Indonesian marine tourism destinations that possess abundant natural resources, serving as a comparative and competitive advantage (Wilopo et al., 2020). Coastal residents face various challenges, particularly in the realm of the economy, prompting the adoption of marine tourism in coastal areas with significant potential. Marine tourism harnesses the potential of the marine environment as a tourist attraction, encompassing activities conducted at sea that are intricately linked to the presence of a diverse marine ecosystem (Bahar & Rahmadi, 2011). Malang Regency stands out as one of the most promising marine tourism destinations in Indonesia. Its landscape is characterized by extensive coastal areas and numerous small islands. These are home to a diverse array of marine life, captivating coral reefs, and thriving mangrove forests. The tourism potential of this region is substantial, attracting a significant number of visitors, particularly from Surabaya and its surrounding areas. Each tourist area within Malang Regency possesses distinct resource characteristics and holds the potential to be developed into a national or even international tourism destination (Astina & Kurniawati, 2021).

The implementation of community-based tourism in marine tourism within Malang Regency encompasses a comprehensive model of tourism development, serving as a mechanism for community advancement, ultimately leading to the welfare and satisfaction of the local population. Community-based tourism emphasizes tourism experiences and values, fostering closer interactions between tourists and local communities (Bimonte & Punzo, 2016; Sharpley, 2014). From a broader perspective, community-based tourism facilitates the empowerment of the tourism community through the creation of social capital and the reinforcement of local identities, with the goal of generating positive experiences for residents and tourists alike. A critical component of community-based tourism is the “sense of community” it fosters, referring to its promotion of human relationships that enhance a sense of connection and enable individuals to coexist and collaborate harmoniously (Aref, 2011).

Therefore, the development of marine tourism potential is undeniably intertwined with the surrounding environment, particularly the local community. Optimal tourism development cannot be achieved without active participation and involvement from local communities (Choi & Murray, 2010). Indeed, numerous studies have confirmed the advantages of community involvement in tourism development (e.g., Aly et al., 2021; Chili & Ngxongo, 2017; Oluwatuyi & Ileri, 2016; Rasoolimanesh et al., 2017). In this study, we consider fishing communities and coastal communities as collective stakeholder groups that play a crucial role in the development of marine tourism. When the host community is engaged in the tourism development process, stakeholder groups can foster a broad vision of how their individual activities align toward a common goal (Choi & Murray, 2010). They can further establish coordinating relationships with one another to minimize competition and conflict, thereby ensuring equitable sharing of the positive benefits of tourism.

The impacts of tourism have been extensively discussed in various studies concerning the quality of life of communities or residents (Gursoy et al., 2019; Kalvet et al., 2020). The development of marine tourism, in particular, has been proven to yield positive impacts across various aspects, including increased income and economic well-being of the community (e.g., Karani & Failler, 2020; Wang & Zhang, 2019), enhanced environmental quality (Cowburn et al., 2018), and the improvement of lifestyle standards and cultural amenities (e.g., King et al., 2021; Rasoolimanesh et al., 2019). Residents’ perceptions of these effects of tourism influence not only their attitudes toward tourism but also their overall life satisfaction (e.g., Abukhalifeh & Wondirad, 2019; Khan et al., 2022). Individuals’ perceptions of tourism impacts—such as economic, social, and environmental effects—play a crucial role in shaping their overall opinions regarding their living conditions (Woo et al., 2016). Further, the interaction among residents in the context of tourism development generates a variety of emotional values, particularly when the perceived economic and sociocultural benefits of tourism development are positive (Lin et al., 2017).

Together these points highlight that one of the ways to enhance community welfare is through tourism (Uysal et al., 2016). The success of the tourism sector enhances poverty alleviation, increases in per capita income, and a reduction in crimes (Kim et al., 2013). It is therefore crucial to manage and plan tourism carefully, considering its potential effects and implementing sustainable practices to maximize benefits while minimizing negative consequences. Importantly, the well-being of local residents is influenced not only by the economic benefits of tourism but also by social, cultural, and environmental factors stemming from tourism development (Deery et al., 2012; Kim et al., 2013; Ozturk et al., 2015). Therefore, understanding residents’ perceptions regarding these economic, social, and environmental aspects is crucial to support place marketing activities for destinations. This is because, when the basic needs of the local community are fulfilled, the negative aspects of tourism can be minimized. In the context of tourism in Indonesia, multiple stakeholders are involved with the aim of achieving tourism sustainability. Community involvement is pivotal for supporting the creation of a conducive environment in the tourism sector and ensuring the well-being of local residents. In Indonesia, community involvement is legally recognized through a government partnership called POKDARWIS (a term used for community members involved in tourism development in Indonesia). Therefore, empirically examining the relationship between community involvement and experience with regards to the overall effects of the tourism sector is important, as is examining the capacity of community involvement in this sector to contribute to the well-being of local residents.

Although previous studies have examined tourism impacts, they have often employed a comparative approach. For instance, Nawijn and Mitas (2011) have discussed the host perspective and explore the relationship between perceived tourism impacts and the subjective well-being of residents in mass tourism destinations in Mallorca. Wilopo et al. (2020) have revealed that stakeholders have a pivotal responsibility in the development of the tourism sector, including shaping its effects on the local population. Meanwhile, the local population serves as a proxy for community-based tourism in safeguarding the sociocultural and environmental aspects, while also participating in eco-tourism activities. Social Exchange Theory (SET) has been identified as capable of explaining the relationship between community-based tourism, social interactions, community involvement in tourism development, and the latter’s effects on community well-being. SET serves as a theoretical framework that explores the perceptions held by local residents and their application within the tourism context (Andereck et al., 2005; Andriotis, 2005; Wang & Pfister, 2008).

As described by Kurniawan and Fanani (2022), tourism is a social phenomenon that underpins community involvement, thus being considered a factor in community well-being. However, Kurniawan and Fanani (2022) highlight the Social Exchange Theory (SET) in institutional planning, which directs how the government designs tourism sector policies to influence the impact of tourism on the local community. This perspective differs from the focus of this research, where SET can serve as a tool when involving local community participation in tourism development. Consequently, the local community can experience the social, cultural, and economic impacts of tourism, as elucidated by Rasoolimanesh et al. (2017). Thus, this has unveiled a potential research gap to be confirmed in this study. This study focuses on marine tourism in Malang Regency, one of the potential areas for tourism development in Indonesia. Malang Regency has specific characteristics, cultural heritage, and natural attractions that distinguish it from other destinations. Understanding the influence of community involvement in this setting can provide valuable insights into the interplay between local communities and tourism development in a specific cultural and geographical context. More specifically, the influence of community involvement on various aspects related to tourism can have practical implications for destination managers, policymakers, and local communities. This study also presents an integrated framework encompassing factors that influence population perceptions, including demographic characteristics, as well as economic, social, and environmental factors. Given these factors, this research highlights and emphasizes community involvement and the perceived tourism impact on resident well-being. The research will address the following research questions:

RQ₁:

Does the involvement of residents in tourism groups lead to their perceptions of the impact of tourism?

RQ₂:

How do residents’ perceptions of the impact of tourism affect their sense of well-being in different domains of life?

RQ₃:

What is the mediating role of population perceptions in the relationship between community involvement and population welfare?

2. Literature review

2.1. Relevance of social exchange theory and community-based tourism

SET is a social psychological perspective that can help explain community involvement in the tourism sector (Ward & Berno, 2011). It focuses on the exchange of resources, benefits, and costs in social interactions and relationships. In the context of community involvement in tourism, SET suggests that individuals and communities engage in tourism-related activities in accordance with a perceived balance of costs and benefits (Adongo et al., 2019; Kang & Lee, 2018). According to SET, individuals weigh the potential rewards and costs associated with their participation in social interactions (Ward & Berno, 2011). In the context of community involvement in tourism, community members assess the benefits they expect to gain from their engagement and compare them to the perceived costs. Specific economic, social, and cultural benefits that can be gained from community involvement in the tourism sector may include job creation, increased income from tourism-related businesses, preservation and promotion of local culture and heritage, improved infrastructure, and enhanced residents’ well-being. These benefits suggest an alignment between SET and community-based tourism in relation to community involvement (Jani, 2018; Nugroho & Numata, 2020). Because, in the context of community-based tourism, there is an exchange of resources between the community and the tourism sector, by highlighting the evaluation of benefits and costs in social interactions by community members, SET provides a valuable framework for understanding the dynamics and motivations underlying community-based tourism.

2.2. Community involvement

Several studies have sought to uncover how population support for tourism development can yield positive impacts on tourism (Gursoy et al., 2002; Ryu et al., 2020). Not only can community involvement be regarded as a vital factor in the development of community-based tourism (Simpson, 2001), but Sebele (2010) has emphasized that community involvement in tourism creates greater opportunities for the host population to benefit from tourism development. Community participation further plays a crucial role in the development of tourism destinations, acting as a catalyst for increasing the value and competitiveness of the destination (Jamal & Getz, 1995). The involvement of residents, particularly within the tourism community, also indicates the extent to which they engage in addressing issues and participating in activities related to tourism development. For instance, Mason (2008) has emphasized the significance of community participation in tourism with regards to its capacity to help mitigate potential conflicts between tourists and members of the host community. When communities are willing to participate, barriers that impede their involvement are identified and discussed with the aim of potentially overcoming them (Gursoy et al., 2002). Thus, the perception of local residents regarding the impacts of tourism greatly relies on how they perceive the benefits and drawbacks associated with tourism development (Gursoy et al., 2009). Residents who are actively involved in the tourism community tend to experience and assess the impacts of tourism development more objectively, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects. In particular, one of the motivations behind their participation in the community is to engage in the decision-making process to safeguard their personal interests and ensure that the community benefits more extensively (Lekaota et al., 2015).

Communities engaged in tourism develop specific perceptions shaped by tourism activities and impacts. Previous literature has extensively examined the antecedents that influence the impact of tourism on residents, one of which is community engagement and involvement (Gursoy & Rutherford, 2004; Gursoy et al., 2002). As noted, individuals with high levels of involvement in tourism tend to offer more evaluative assessments given their understanding of operational processes. The involvement of local communities in the tourism sector has been demonstrated to contribute to their economic development, thereby enhancing the overall positive impact of tourism (Sirisrisak, 2009). The support and active participation of residents in tourism development also foster a sense of ownership and emotional engagement, leading residents to perceive tourism and its impacts as advantageous (Sirisrisak, 2009). Furthermore, community participation in the decision-making process generates a positive perception of sociocultural aspects by fostering increased respect and the preservation of traditional values through tourism (Rasoolimanesh et al., 2017). The role of community involvement in shaping tourism perceptions has prompted researchers to propose the following three research hypotheses:

H1a:

Community involvement positively and significantly influences on perceived environmental impact

H1b:

Community involvement positively and significantly influences on perceived sociocultural impact

H1c:

Community involvement positively and significantly influences on perceived economic impact

In this study, the outcomes of community involvement in the tourism sector are categorized into three dimensions: economic, sociocultural, and environmental.

2.3. Resident perceptions

Tourism development has been extensively demonstrated to bring about economic, sociocultural, and environmental changes in people’s lives (Lee, 2013), shaping perceptions within the minds of residents and the surrounding community. Understanding the community’s perspective is crucial for mitigating potential negative impacts and maximizing the benefits of tourism development (Prayag et al., 2013). Consequently, there is a growing focus on research and attention regarding the impact of tourism on host communities (e.g., Charag et al., 2021; Guo et al., 2014; Kim, 2002; Muler Gonzalez et al., 2018; Tam et al., 2023). As confirmed in various studies (Andereck & Jurowski, 2006; Eslami et al., 2019; Su et al., 2018; Uysal et al., 2012), people’s perceptions of the impact of tourism not only influence their attitudes toward tourism but also affect the life satisfaction of the community or local residents (Yolal et al., 2016). In particular, the perceptions of local residents regarding the impacts of tourism encompass its economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, reflecting their overall evaluation of living conditions. This aligns with the triple bottom line approach commonly employed in tourism studies (Andersson & Lundberg, 2013). The impacts within each domain may vary; for instance, although a positive economic impact can be achieved, it may come at the expense of the surrounding environment, resulting in a negative impact (Prayag et al., 2013).

The perception of environmental aspects resulting from tourism activities refers to the local residents’ perceptions of changes in the surrounding environment caused by tourism (Andereck et al., 2005). SET explains that the environment is an important dimension of concern for the general public (Koh et al., 2020). As more individuals perceive an improvement in environmental quality, their overall welfare tends to increase. Conversely, if many people perceive pollution and the destruction of natural habitats (environmental impacts from tourism development), their general welfare will be negatively affected (Koh et al., 2020). While much of the literature expresses positive views from residents regarding the presence of tourism (Lindberg et al., 2022; Park et al., 2017), some findings reveal contradictory opinions regarding environmental impacts (e.g., Gössling & Peeters, 2015; Hsieh & Kung, 2013; Li et al., 2014; Nunkoo & Ramkissoon, 2012). For example, tourism is known to contribute to issues such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, pollution, and noise within communities (Nunkoo & Ramkissoon, 2011). However, tourism can also yield positive impacts by aiding in the protection of the environment from various illegal activities associated with natural resource exploitation (Gursoy et al., 2009). In addition, by showcasing natural beauty for tourism purposes and encouraging investments in environmental infrastructure, tourism can create greater awareness of the necessity to conserve the environment (e.g., Park et al., 2017). In numerous attractions, including coastal and marine tourism, tourism has had a positive influence on local communities through the preservation of natural areas and the enhancement of public awareness regarding the conservation of the surrounding environment (Boonratana, 2011). Given the positive impacts associated with tourism, this study proposes the following hypothesis:

H2:

Perceived environmental impact positively and significantly influences on resident well-being

Local residents also perceive the impacts of tourism from a social and cultural standpoint. The community may experience both negative impacts, such as traffic congestion, overcrowding in public spaces, and other social issues (e.g., Ahmed & Krohn, 1992; Canteiro et al., 2018; Muler Gonzalez et al., 2018), as well as positive impacts, such as an influx of residents and opportunities for improving amenities like healthcare access, electricity, and increased recreational options, leading to enhanced social satisfaction (e.g., Cheng & Xu, 2021; Ivlevs, 2017). In addition, tourism is viewed as a means of revitalizing and preserving culture by showcasing cultural elements to enhance the attractiveness of a destination (Ozturk et al., 2015). Local residents who perceive positive sociocultural impacts from tourism tend to experience improved overall well-being. Thus, this study proposes the following hypothesis:

H3:

Perceived sociocultural impact positively and significantly influences on resident well-being

Meanwhile, from an economic perspective, tourism has proven to stimulate the local economy (Ozturk et al., 2015; Suess et al., 2018). The economic impact of tourism encompasses all types of economic benefits or costs that residents and local governments experience as a result of tourism development (Gursoy et al., 2009). Job creation, tax revenue generation, increased investment, and higher incomes all indicate the positive economic impact of tourism (Kim et al., 2013), which is considered to enhance the welfare of the community (Suess et al., 2018). When individuals perceive this positive economic impact, the greater their overall well-being tends to be. Although tourism can also lead to increased land prices, product costs, and taxes, the positive economic performance of tourism generally outweighs negative sentiments or feelings within a community. This is particularly the case when improving economic well-being is a primary motivation for the population (Fakfare & Wattanacharoensil, 2020). In line with previous literature and accounting for the unique context of this research, the current study encompasses various aspects to provide a comprehensive perspective on the impact of tourism on the welfare and life satisfaction of local communities, generating the following hypothesis:

H4:

Perceived economic impact positively and significantly influences on resident well-being

2.4. Mediating role

Although the need for more in-depth scientific research to gain a better understanding of people’s perceptions regarding tourism development and its impact on well-being has been emphasized by Nawijn and Mitas (2011) and Koh et al. (2020), several studies have examined the mediating effect of local residents’ well-being perceptions resulting from tourism development (Gannon et al., 2021; Tosun et al., 2021). These studies have primarily operated on the assumption that the benefits received by local residents stem from their involvement in tourism development and growth initiatives. That is, because these initiatives directly affect and enhance the well-being of local residents, they contribute to increased welfare (Williams & Lawson, 2001). Tourism studies demonstrate that engaging local communities in management and decision-making processes can foster their recognition of the importance of integrating tourism into the local economy, enabling them to experience the perceived effects of tourism (Boonsiritomachai & Phonthanukitithaworn, 2019). However, although local residents’ perceptions of the environment, their sociocultural domain, and the economy significantly influence their level of well-being, the mediating effect of local residents’ perceptions of perceived tourism is seldom explored. It is valuable to examine this linear relationship to fill this research gap. Thus, this study proposes the following hypothesis:

H5:

Perceived environment impact mediates the influence of community involvement on resident well-being

H6:

Perceived sociocultural impact mediates the influence of community involvement on resident well-being

H7:

Perceived economic impact mediates the influence of community involvement on resident well-being

3. Method

3.1. Data collection and measurement

This study employed purposive sampling based on specific criteria, such as active involvement and being a member of a Tourism Awareness Group known as POKDARWIS. Data were collected from coastal residents in the domestic coastal area of South Malang Regency between June and July 2022. The research team, including the authors and two trained research assistants, conducted face-to-face surveys using a questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents were invited to participate in the survey free of charge. However, 25 questionnaires were excluded because of missing responses to important questions. Thus, a total of 175 questionnaires, which were satisfactorily completed, were analyzed with a response rate of 87.5%. This high response rate indicates that, in terms of reliability, the data are suitable for use in the study (Heerwegh & Loosveldt, 2008; Nugroho & Numata, 2020; Park et al., 2017).

Given the distribution of respondents, the age limit for the respondents was determined to be 20 years. The research questionnaire utilized several items and constructs adapted from existing literature. The survey instrument employed a five-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly disagree” (1) to “strongly agree” (5) (See Appendix). In accordance with the research model construct (see Figure 1), community involvement was assessed using four items adapted from Rasoolimanesh et al. (2019). Perceived environmental, sociocultural, and economic impacts were measured using four items each, adapted from Eslami et al. (2019). Resident well-being was evaluated using three items adopted from Yolal et al. (2016).

Figure 1. Research model.

3.2. Data analysis

The collected data, obtained through a questionnaire, was analyzed using the PLS-SEM software package. PLS-SEM is a robust statistical tool that is suitable for various data scales, does not impose strict assumptions, and allows for the exploration of relationships even when theoretical foundations are not well-established (Hair et al., 2014). In terms of data processing, aiming to maximize the explained variance of the dependent latent construct, the PLS approach was employed as a causal modeling technique. When a structural equation model consists of multiple items, the number of items needs to be adjusted to ensure item distribution. The reliability of measurements in PLS-SEM was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability, with a standard indicator loading threshold of 0.70. In addition, validity was evaluated using the average variance extracted (AVE), with a recommended threshold of 0.50 or higher, as suggested by Hair et al. (2014).

4. Result and analysis

Malang Regency, located in East Java Province, is renowned for its tourist destinations. The descriptive analysis conducted aimed to provide insights into the characteristics of the respondents who participated in the distributed questionnaires. Table 1 presents the findings, indicating that out of the 175 respondents who successfully completed the questionnaire, 97 (55.43%) were male and 78 (44.57%) were female. The respondents’ age range consisted of 20–25 years (n = 12; 6.86%), 26–30 years (n = 36; 20.57%), 31–35 years (n = 57; 32.57%), and 36 years and above (n = 70; 40%). Regarding educational background, the respondents comprised junior high school graduates (n = 75; 42.86%), senior high school graduates (n = 92; 52.57%), and fresh graduates (n = 8; 4.57%). Furthermore, the respondents, who were all local residents involved in tourism development, exhibited varying degrees of involvement, with participation durations ranging from 1–2 years (n = 16; 9.14%), 3–4 years (n = 76; 43.43%), and 5 years or more (n = 83; 47.43%). Regarding the respondents’ experience in tourism-related activities, the distribution is as follows: operating homestays (n = 7; 4%), providing tour services (n = 26; 14.86%), engaging in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs; n = 68; 38.86%), working as destination management staff (n = 32; 18.29%), and being members of POKDARWIS (n = 42; 24%).

Table 1. Demography of respondents (n = 175)

Demographic		Frequency	Percent (%)
Gender	Male	97	55.43
	Female	78	44.57
Age	20–25	12	6.86
	26–30	36	20.57
	31–35	57	32.57
	≥36	70	40.00
Educational Level	Junior high school	75	42.86
	Senior high school	92	52.57
	Fresh graduate	8	4.57
	Master	-	-
Tourism Involvement	1–2 years	16	9.14
	3–4 years	76	43.43
	≥5 years	83	47.43
Community Profile	Operate homestay	7	4
	Tour service	26	14.86
	MSMEs	68	38.86
	Destination management staff	32	18.29
	Members of POKDARWIS	42	24

Partial least squares are used to test research hypotheses while evaluating measurement and structural models. The PLS analysis revealed two main results, including the inner model and the outer model. The inner model refers to the latent variable relationship in the form of a structural model or path matrix, and the outer model is represented by the validity and reliability values of the configuration. Table 2 is a construct measurement that tests validity and reliability. As recommended by Hair et al. (2019), the reliability value that refers to the Cronbach’s value and composite reliability must be greater than 0.7 while the validity refers to the value generated based on the AVE.

Table 2. Construct measurement

Construct	Mean	Standard Deviation	Cronbach’s α	Composite Reliability	AVE
Community Involvement
I am involved in decision-making about tourism planning and development	4.291	0.939
The residents of this community have been involved in the management of tourism	4.029	0.824
The residents of this village have been involved in decision-making about tourism development and preservation of cultural heritage	3.846	0.688
I have the opportunity to participate in tourism planning and development in the future	3.954	0.649
			0.782	0.859	0.605
Perceived Environmental Impact
Natural environment and biodiversity	4.234	0.853
Local infrastructure such as roads, civil center and other public facilities	3.880	0.735
Impacts on beaches and other outdoor places	3.886	0.613
Impacts on Island landscape	4.171	0.878
			0.822	0.882	0.652
Perceived Sociocultural Impact
Cultural identity	4.000	0.733
Variety of local cultural activities	4.160	0.943
Historical buildings	4.154	0.824
Cultural exchange between residents and tourists	3.829	0.752
			0.851	0.899	0.692
Perceived Economic Impact
Business opportunities	4.269	0.889
Impacts on local products	4.257	0.924
Impacts on revenues for the local government	4.331	0.922
Economic contributor to the local community	3.903	0.730
			0.836	0.895	0.684
Resident Well-Being
Overall, I feel this destination has enriched my life. I’m really glad that I participated in this festival	3.869	0.641
In this destination, I accomplished my purpose of the experience and this experience has enriched me in some ways	4.200	0.907
This destination was rewarding to me in many ways that I feel much better about things and myself with this festival	3.989	0.748
			0.822	0.894	0.737

The results of the reliability measurement in this study revealed that all variables have Cronbach’s values even greater than 0.7, including community involvement (0.782), perceived environmental impact (0.822), perceived sociocultural impact (0.851), perceived economic impact (0.836), and resident well-being (0.822). Furthermore, related to the composite reliability value, all variables in this study resulted in more than 0.8, including community involvement (0.859), perceived environmental impact (0.882), perceived sociocultural impact (0.899), perceived economic impact (0.895), and resident well-being (0.894). Thus, both reliability measurements have been met according to the resulting values, have been declared acceptable and guarantee adequate reliability. Meanwhile, validity was proven by calculating the AVE value, revealing that all variables had an AVE value greater than 0.6, including community involvement (0.605), perceived environmental impact (0.652), perceived sociocultural impact (0.692), perceived economic impact (0.684), and resident well-being (0.737). Thus, as shown in Table 3, the constructs measured in this study show a strong validity value and the discriminant validity score for each configuration was higher than the correlation with other configurations in the model.

Table 3. Fornell and Larcker Test

	Community Involvement	Perceived Economic Impact	Perceived Environmental Impact	Perceived Sociocultural Impact	Resident Well-Being
Community Involvement	0.778
Perceived Economic Impact	0.680	0.827
Perceived Environmental Impact	0.776	0.711	0.879
Perceived Sociocultural Impact	0.695	0.746	0.783	0.887
Resident Well-Being	0.720	0.706	0.808	0.832	0.858

Table 4 shows the results of statistical analysis according to bootstrapping through PLS-SEM. This was carried out to determine model-fit and path coefficients as quantities used to determine the effect of the overall relationship on the inner model and in accordance with the designed hypothesis. A partial sequential model was determined to perform statistical analysis and showed that the relationship between variables resulted in a coefficient of determination (R²), including perceived environmental impact (0.602), perceived sociocultural impact (0.482), perceived economic impact (0.462), and resident well-being (0.875).

Table 4. Direct and indirect effects

Variable	Direct Effect (ß)	Indirect Effect (ß)	T Score	P Values	Conclusion
Direct Effect
CI → PEI	0.776		14.494	0.000	Accepted
CI → PSc	0.695		9.331	0.000	Accepted
CI → PEc	0.680		9.876	0.000	Accepted
PEI → RW	0.490		7.926	0.000	Accepted
PSc → RW	0.533		8.639	0.000	Accepted
PEc → RW	−0.040		1.031	0.303	Rejected
Indirect Effect
CI → PEI → RW		0.380	6.942	0.000	Accepted
CI → PSc → RW		0.370	7.362	0.000	Accepted
CI → PEc → RW		−0.027	1.036	0.301	Rejected

Note: N = 175. R² = PEI (0.602); PSc (0.482); PEc (0.462); RW (0.875). *Sig. p-value < 0.10; **Sig. p-value < 0.05; ***Sig. p-value < 0.01.

Thus, with reference to testing the hypotheses in this study (see Figure 2), it is clear that almost all of the direct relationship effects show positive and significant results, including community involvement on perceived environmental impact (ß = 0.776; pvalue <0.05), community involvement on perceived sociocultural impact (ß = 0.776; pvalue <0.05), community involvement on perceived sociocultural impact (ß = 0.695; pvalue <0.05), community involvement on perceived economic impact (ß = 0.680; pvalue <0.05), perceived environmental impact on resident well-being (ß = 0.490; pvalue <0.05), and perceived sociocultural to resident well-being (ß = 0.533; pvalue <0.05). As a result, H1, H2, and H3 are accepted. Meanwhile, the direct relationship between perceived economic impact on resident well-being (ß = −0.040; pvalue >0.05) has a negative but not significant effect, thus H4 is rejected. Meanwhile, related to the indirect relationship, community involvement on resident well-being mediated by perceived environmental impact (ß = 0.380; pvalue <0.05) had a positive and significant effect. Furthermore, community involvement on resident well-being mediated by perceived sociocultural impact (ß = 0.370; pvalue <0.05) had a positive and significant effect. Meanwhile, community involvement on resident well-being mediated by perceived economic impact (ß = −0.027; pvalue >0.05) had a negative but not significant effect. These findings meant that H5, H6 were accepted and H7 was rejected.

Figure 2. Research output model.

5. Discussion and implications

5.1. Discussion

This study examines the influence of community engagement on the perceived economic, environmental, and sociocultural impacts of tourism, as well as the subsequent effects of these perceived impacts on the well-being of local residents. The focus of this research is the coastal community of Malang Regency. More specifically, the data collected from coastal residents of Malang Regency were analyzed to investigate the mediating role of residents’ perceptions of their involvement in the tourism community in achieving prosperity across various dimensions (economic, environmental, and sociocultural). To provide a comprehensive framework for understanding resident engagement and perceptions of tourism development, this study adopts SET. Within the SET framework, the direct relationship between resident engagement in tourism and the perception of perceived impacts from tourism has been consistently supported by various studies within the tourism literature (Abukhalifeh & Wondirad, 2019; Lee & Jan, 2019; Nugroho & Numata, 2020). This is because community involvement reflects the degree to which residents participate in addressing tourism-related issues, which ultimately influences the extent to which they perceive the impact of tourism (Lee, 2013). Several studies have also examined the support of host populations for tourism development, focusing on the level of their involvement in tourism (Allen et al., 1988; Fun et al., 2014; Patwary et al., 2019). These studies have shown that existing tourism developments directly affect local communities (Sharpley, 1994). The resulting dynamics—arising from community involvement—shape values, behaviors, lifestyles, and quality of life, leading to the formation of new perceptions associated with tourism (Hall & Page, 2014).

The research findings demonstrate that community involvement in tourism development significantly influences the population’s perceptions of tourism’s economic, environmental, and sociocultural aspects (H1–H3). These results support the SET, indicating that community involvement has a positive effect on people’s perceptions of tourism’s economic, sociocultural, and environmental impacts. Furthermore, these findings align with previous studies that have shown a positive relationship between the involvement of local communities in destination planning and management and their perceptions of tourism (Andereck & Nyaupane, 2011; Fletcher et al., 2016). Community involvement offers residents opportunities to actively participate in tourism development activities and to take on roles as social actors rather than passive subjects, enabling them to have control over the activities that impact their lives (Timothy, 1999). Consequently, community involvement fosters citizens’ engagement in the exchange process with other stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and tourists. This involvement in tourism development empowers local communities and enhances their awareness and perception of the benefits associated with tourism development (Fletcher et al., 2016).

The findings from this study provide additional support to the viewpoint expressed by Hunt and Stronza (2014) that residents who are not actively involved in tourism tend to hold more negative attitudes toward it compared with residents who actively participate. In line with several previous studies that have shown a non-significant negative influence of perceived economic impact on residents’ well-being (Rasoolimanesh et al., 2017), this study contradicts the findings of Nugroho and Numata (2020) that indicate that perceived economic impact has a greater influence compared with perceived sociocultural impact. This study suggests that there is a stronger influence from perceived sociocultural and environmental impact. Furthermore, the social exchange formed through the local population’s awareness of preserving the environment and sociocultural aspects is more important, but not in terms of economic impact. Similar to the findings of Rasoolimanesh et al. (2017), the community tends to continue supporting tourism development because its positive impacts are considered more important than the negative ones. However, the findings of Wilopo et al. (2020) strengthen the argument that local governments need to pay attention to the well-being of the local population involved in tourism development. Insofar as SET provides a framework for understanding decision-making processes and planning in the tourism sector (Ward & Berno, 2011), it highlights the evaluation by the local population regarding perceived benefits, showing trust, reciprocity, and well-being to be key factors influencing community involvement (Adongo et al., 2019; Jani, 2018). Therefore, it is important to involve the community in the planning process of tourism development for them to experience the overall impacts of the tourism sector.

Residents who value local resources and support tourism development are more likely to exhibit engagement with tourism (Shakeela & Weaver, 2018). In turn, individuals who are directly engaged in tourism activities tend to possess greater knowledge, interest, and awareness of the benefits that tourism brings. Therefore, the involvement of local residents in tourism initiatives contributes to a more positive perception among the local community regarding tourism development (Hunt & Stronza, 2014). Further, Sebele (2010) has emphasized that community involvement in tourism provides greater opportunities for the host population to reap the benefits of tourism development. For instance, residents who actively participate in decision-making processes pertaining to tourism development planning can sustain the benefits derived from tourism development. Specifically, they can ensure that the economic impact of tourism remains positive, enhance social well-being, preserve culture, and safeguard the sustainability of the surrounding environment, thereby preventing any detrimental effects.

Furthermore, the findings from this study reveal a positive and significant relationship between the population’s perception of tourism development and their welfare (H4–H6). This finding aligns with previous studies that have examined residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts and the well-being of local residents (e.g., Sharpley, 2014; Uysal et al., 2012; Woo et al., 2016). This is because, once a community becomes a tourist destination, the lives of its residents are inevitably influenced by tourism activities. The impacts of tourism are diverse and encompass various aspects of people’s lives, including economic, sociocultural, and environmental dimensions (Lin et al., 2017; Shafieisabet & Haratifard, 2020; Stylidis et al., 2014). Perceptions related to these economic, sociocultural, and environmental aspects shape the evaluation of benefits, which are closely tied to the satisfaction and well-being of local residents.

The economic benefits of tourism can contribute to poverty alleviation in coastal communities. Specifically, in the context of this research focusing on coastal communities, tourism development can have a positive impact on the well-being of local residents and the coastal community as a whole. This impact manifests in various ways, including increased income and expanded employment opportunities (economic), improved public infrastructure and facilities, and the promotion and preservation of local culture (sociocultural), as well as activities promoting environmental conservation and heightened environmental awareness among the community (environmental). Consequently, residents who stand to gain the greatest economic benefits from tourism tend to perceive a significantly more positive economic impact and exhibit a relatively high level of well-being. Moreover, residents who hold a favorable perception of the positive environmental impact of tourism are also likely to experience enhanced welfare. Although the economic impact is important, the state of the surrounding environment may hold even greater significance, particularly considering that the livelihoods of coastal communities are heavily reliant on nature. As members of these communities begin to recognize the economic and environmental benefits brought about by tourism, their interest in developing sociocultural aspects grows, and they strive to preserve these elements to attract more tourists, ultimately enhancing their well-being. Thus, positive impacts, which in turn lead to positive perceptions regarding tourism development, serve as psychological motivators, providing residents with a sense of pleasure and comfort in the presence of tourism activities. Aspects of coastal community life, including the economy, sociocultural dynamics, and the environment, experience improvement, further contributing to the positive perception of tourism and ultimately enhancing the welfare of local residents.

In addition to confirming these direct effects, this study also confirms the mediating effects of residents’ perceptions on the relationship between community involvement and their well-being. The study finds strong evidence for mediation, indicating that environmental and sociocultural perceptions indirectly influence the relationship between community involvement and the welfare of coastal residents. The involvement of residents in coastal tourism has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on their well-being, leading to increased satisfaction with tourism activities. In terms of the environment and their sociocultural context, residents who are involved in tourism planning and decision-making processes provide added value in supporting the development of a better environment and socio-culture. For instance, the involvement of residents in tourism planning can contribute to the establishment of environmental protection activities and the creation of protected areas. Similarly, community involvement in tourism planning and development can ensure the inclusion and preservation of local cultural elements, thereby sustaining their existence.

However, the findings from this study do not support the mediating effect of economic perceptions on community involvement and the well-being of local residents. Perceptions regarding the environment and socio-culture are individual factors that pertain to the benefits received by each community member. Conversely, the perceived economic impact is a variable that may not be as predictable at the community level. Therefore, to support the development of sustainable coastal tourism, it is crucial for the government to pay attention to controlling and ensuring positive economic impacts (Kurniawan & Fanani, 2022). Wilopo et al. (2020) have, for instance, emphasized that local governments play a crucial role in regulating various strategic issues related to the economic development of the community resulting from tourism. Essentially, a tourist destination relies on local residents and creative entrepreneurs who contribute significant economic benefits (Wilopo et al., 2020). These advantages are not only experienced by tourism managers but also by local residents and creative entrepreneurs.

5.2. Theoretical implications

This research contributes to tourism literature in several ways. First, it enriches the literature by employing SET as a theoretical framework to predict the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of local residents. Second, in the context of the local population, the findings from this study not only demonstrate the significance of local residents’ involvement in shaping their overall perceptions of tourism but also reveal how their involvement partially influences each dimension of their perception (economic, environmental, sociocultural). Moreover, this study examines the role of local residents’ perceptions in shaping satisfaction and well-being. Third, it investigates the mediating role of population perception, which serves as a link between community involvement and the welfare of the coastal population in Malang Regency. Although previous studies have examined the factors influencing population perception and support for tourism development using different theories, the mediating role of residents’ perceptions has not been thoroughly explored. Few studies have compared the direct effects of population involvement in tourism development with the indirect effects of residents’ perceptions on people’s well-being. The findings from this study thus highlight the need for further investigation into how community involvement can shape the welfare of local communities and serve as a driving force for tourism development. In summary, this research provides valuable insights for tourism-related studies focusing on local residents in coastal communities by examining the dimensions of population perception and demonstrating how community involvement can enhance well-being.

5.3. Practical implications

The findings from this study provide practical contributions that will be beneficial to multiple stakeholders, including the government, destination managers, and the community. For the government and destination managers, these contributions relate to the development of tourism strategies that promote community participation. This can be achieved through initiatives such as establishing community-based tourism programs, involving local residents in tourism planning processes, and incorporating their perspectives into destination management strategies. Furthermore, destination managers can collaborate with the government to implement sustainable practices. This may involve promoting eco-friendly tourism initiatives, engaging communities in conservation projects, and raising awareness about environmental issues among both residents and tourists. These efforts contribute to the preservation of local traditions, crafts, and cultural practices, ensuring their continued existence and integration into tourism experiences. This approach helps to preserve the authenticity of the destination and offers unique experiences to tourists, while also fostering a sense of cultural pride and identity among local residents. It further promotes a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community, leading to more sustainable and inclusive tourism practices. In addition, tourism strategies need to be designed so that they provide economic benefits to local residents. This can be achieved by facilitating education and training programs to create high-quality local products, contributing, in turn, to poverty alleviation, job creation, and overall economic development in the area. Finally, the community plays a crucial role in community-based tourism involvement in preserving natural resources and mitigating negative environmental impacts caused by tourism activities.

6. Conclusion and research limitations

This research has highlighted three important objectives that have been designed. First, the findings provide evidence of the significance of the relationship between community involvement and perceived tourism impact. This can elucidate the extent to which community involvement influences perceived tourism impact as part of participation in tourism development. Thus, it can indicate that community involvement serves as a strong predictor in determining the perceived tourism impact, which is crucial in tourism development. Second, the community’s perception of tourism impact affects their well-being in various aspects of life. These findings indicate that perceived economic impact has a negative influence on resident well-being, while perceived environmental and sociocultural impact significantly affect resident well-being. Furthermore, community involvement in terms of perceived economic impact is not yet fully realized, although it certainly has the potential to have an impact on sustained resident well-being. Lastly, regarding the mediating role of residents’ perceptions in the relationship between community involvement and resident well-being. This study confirms the mediating role of perceived tourism impact between resident involvement and local community welfare.

However, like any research, there are still some limitations to this study. First, this study examines the mediating effect for the dimensions of population perception (economic, environmental, and sociocultural) without considering the perceived duration of perception. Future research could conduct separate analyses of short-term and long-term perceptions of the impact of tourism. Exploring the hypothesized direct and indirect pathways over time would offer a longitudinal approach to studying heritage and tourism development. Second, this study focuses on residents’ perceptions based on marine tourism in Malang Regency. To generalize the results, future studies should be conducted within and across diverse contexts, including both developed and developing regions and various types of tourism destinations (not limited to marine tourism). Additionally, given the presence of unconfirmed hypotheses, future research should consider employing a qualitative approach to identify the reasons behind the lack of support for some of the hypothesized relationships.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Universitas Brawijaya [975.24/UN10.C10/PN/2021].