Abstract

This article investigates resident attitudes and perceptions of tourism. A literature review revealed a range of impacts that resulted from tourism development and the tourist–host interaction. The survey research was undertaken in a small Turkish coastal tourist resort, Ayvalik. The aim of the study was to measure perceptions of tourism by 300 residents of Ayvalik. Ayvalik is one of the main touristic centers on the Aegean coast in Turkey. The findings of the study indicated that residents had a generally positive attitude toward tourism and perceived an overall slightly positive impact of tourism. Some general outcomes can be drawn for the hotel and restaurant operators and tourism planners from this study.