An assessment of the acceptance of government-issued tourism strategies: A case of tourism students

Abstract

Several cases around the globe have shown that even the most "participative" planning efforts cannot secure implementation success. Since "planning" is often carried out with limited number of participants, an understanding of plans' acceptability by the larger public during its implementation constitutes a critical matter for success. Public's evaluation and acceptance of a plan decision cannot be separated from individuals' general values, attitudes, beliefs, and numerous other sociological and psychological causes. Focusing on tourism students in higher education, this study examines how attitudes toward long-term planning, attitudes toward tourism development, attachment to the place, and personal relevance of tourism and level of trust held for institutions responsible for tourism development shape students' evaluation of suitability, feasibility, and acceptability of a strategic plan. The analysis revealed that trust held for institutions had the strongest impact on students' evaluation, along with attitudes toward long-term planning and further development. Implications for research and management are discussed.