Tourism and the economic crisis in Kavala, Greece

•A model on residents’ support for tourism within the economic crisis is proposed.•Economic crisis leads to increased support for tourism development.•Self-interest appears to drive residents’ perceptions of tourism.•Economic crisis diminishes residents’ concern for environmental issues.•Place dependence theory can explain residents’ support for tourism.

Although studies suggest that under times of economic uncertainty, perceptions and attitudes are subject to various types of economic and psychological influences, research examining this phenomenon within the context of tourism is limited. This study has developed a model exploring how the economic crisis influences residents’ attitudes toward tourism. The model was tested using a sample of 317 citizens of Kavala, Greece. Expressed concern about the state of the economy and personal benefit from tourism were found to direct residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts and their support for development. The study advances theoretical understanding of residents’ support for tourism during a period of economic uncertainty. The practical implications to tourism planning and development are also discussed.