Political factors influencing residents’ support for tourism development in Kashmir

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between the perceptions of local residents concerning political factors and support for tourism development in the Kashmir region. Design/methodology/approach Primary data have been collected ( n = 650) from the residents of the top five tourist destinations (Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Sonamarg and Kokernag) through a pre-tested questionnaire by multistage sampling method. In presence of non-normal data, the partial least squares structural equation model is applied for analysis. The study is based on the theoretical framework of social exchange theory (SET) and institutional theory of political trust (ITPT). Findings Results suggest that trust in government, the perceived economic performance of government and level of power are negative determinants of support for tourism development, which nullifies SET for politically disturbed regions. Originality/value The results of this study are useful for the local government and tourism institutions in policy formation and fill the vast gap in tourism literature with a theoretical base. This study is also an addition to the existing literature on city tourism for the politically disturbed region.