Innovating the Social Pillar for Engaging Local Inhabitants in Urban and Mountain Destinations

The significance of acknowledging and incorporating the perspectives of local inhabitants in tourism destinations is widely emphasized. However, many destination managers exhibit reluctance towards engaging with local inhabitants, perceiving it as challenging and fearing potential complications. The objective of the paper is to evaluate the current state and explore innovative possibilities within the social pillar of sustainability. Specifically, the research delves into the intricate dynamics between local inhabitants and tourism in urban and mountain destinations. The findings are based on a comprehensive analysis encompassing a questionnaire survey with 340 respondents, as well as interviews conducted with destination management organizations. Through this analysis, both positive and negative effects of tourism on local inhabitants of urban and mountain destinations have been identified. The research reveals a prevailing sentiment of non-involvement amongst local inhabitants in the tourism development process. An innovative approach within the social pillar lies in the integration of tourism into the lives of local inhabitants, their education, monitoring their satisfaction level, encouraging local participation in creating strategies, plans, and policies or providing platforms to express the opinions and suggestions. Consequently, this article contributes by unveiling, highlighting, and subsequently rectifying the deficiencies in the relationship between the local inhabitants and the development of tourism in urban and mountain destinations.