Analysis of Barriers and Drivers of Residents’ Participation in Theme Park Developmen

: The Case Study of Gwangmyeong Cave and Yongin Agricultural Theme Park

Abstract

Fostering participation and collaboration among pertinent stakeholders in tourism development has garnered significant attention, reflecting a theoretical advancement in understanding sustainable touristic destinations. Locally, implementing the community-based tourism approach has emerged as a theoretical contribution, emphasising active participation and empowerment of local communities, thereby aligning with the principles of sustainable tourism. Notably, the intricate practical dynamics and conflicts among stakeholders signify an advancement in comprehending the complexity of stakeholder interaction in tourism development. Previous research has primarily focused on identifying barriers and drivers for community participation, contributing theoretically to the knowledge base in this field. However, theoretical gaps remain, as these studies have predominantly centred on developing nations with limited economic resources, emphasising economic context’s significance in shaping participatory practices. Moreover, a novel theoretical contribution lies in the observation that previous studies have predominantly analysed inter-group relationships while neglecting the theoretical exploration of conflicts and tensions within intra-group dynamics, revealing the intricate nature of collaborative efforts in community-based tourism. By examining the barriers and drivers of residents’ participation in theme park development in South Korea, this study adds to the theoretical discourse by emphasising the centrality of trust and effective communication in the theoretical framework of partnership dynamics between residents and local authorities. Additionally, the theoretical significance of perceived benefits, capacities, and simplified procedural mechanisms as motivators for residents confirms the role of incentives in stimulating community involvement. Moreover, the study’s emphasis on the theoretical importance of fostering interdependence, interactions, and a conducive atmosphere in coordinating intra-group relationships accentuates the need for a comprehensive understanding of collaborative dynamics within communities. From a broader theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the understanding that residents’ participation hinges on stakeholders’ willingness and democratic infrastructure, irrespective of a nation’s economic context. Furthermore, the study’s exploration of the influence of individual backgrounds, such as affiliations and regional heritage, on collaborative relationships in a South Korean context, contributes to a nuanced understanding of horizontal collaboration dynamics. Moreover, the theoretical spotlight on the influence of local values and social standing on residents’ participation in community-based tourism corroborates the significance of sociocultural contexts in shaping participatory practices. Overall, the theoretical contributions of this study not only enhance the existing understanding of community participation in tourism development but also shed light on the complexities of collaborative efforts and stakeholder interactions, contributing to the broader theoretical framework of sustainable tourism development

Date of Award	Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Benoit Senaux (Supervisor), Tom Bason (Supervisor) & Gordon Yan (Supervisor)