Resident satisfaction with sustainable tourism: The case of Frankenwald Nature Park, Germany

• Predictors of resident satisfaction of sustainable tourism are examined.
• SEM supports the hypothesis that all 4 dimensions are predictors of satisfaction.
• Economic was strongest predictor followed by institutional, social, & environmental.

This article examined the relative influence of four sustainability dimensions (i.e., environmental, economic, socio-cultural, and institutional) in predicting resident satisfaction with sustainable tourism development. Data were collected from residents near Frankenwald Nature Park (FNP) in Germany (n = 306). The dimensions were based on three to eight survey items. Perceived satisfaction was a five-item measure of resident satisfaction. Structural equation modeling supported the hypothesis that all four dimensions were significant predictors of satisfaction. The economic dimension was the strongest predictor, followed by the institutional, social, and environmental dimensions. Findings indicate that all four dimensions should be included for a holistic approach to planning and monitoring sustainable tourism development. Future research opportunities include improving the measurement of sustainability indicators and developing standards associated with each indicator.