Demographic analysis of residents' support for tourism development in Jamaica

The purpose of this study is to examine the demographic profile of residents in relation to their support for tourism development in Jamaica. Utilizing data collected from residents across the 14 parishes of Jamaica, a cross-tabulation analysis is used to identify the specific descriptive profile of residents who support tourism development. The variables assessed in this study include residents' biological sex-type, age, monthly income, education level, ethnicity, and area and length of residency. Identity theory is used as theoretical framework for this study because it assumes that an individual's identity influences his or her behavior and attitude. The result shows that female residents support tourism development more than males. Another finding is that residents who support tourism development tend to be between the ages of 18 and 25 and are of black ethnicity. Overall, residents who support tourism development in Jamaica tend to reside in the parish of Portland. This study can assist tourism planners in their strategic and operational decisions for tourism development.