Local communities’ quality of life and support for tourism development: A structural equation analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the people’s quality of life and support for tourism in Maun, Botswana. Data were collected from 394 residents in Maun through face-to-face survey interviews. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with AMOS 16.0 software. The study found a positive relationship between people’s quality of life and support for tourism. The results support the conceptual theory of the study which is the social exchange theory. The study therefore concludes that the more the communities perceive their quality of life being improved due to tourism development, the more they would support the development of tourism in their community. The implication of this study is that the sustainability of tourism in Maun is highly dependent on the improved quality of life of members of local communities.