Deconcentration strategies as tools for preventing gentrification as perceived by residents of tourism destinations

Purpose The issue of residents' attitudes is essential in the context of phenomena such as overtourism, tourismphobia, gentrification, and touristification at destinations. An important operation is the management of tourism flows (deconcentration strategies) to counteract negative phenomena. The purpose of this article is to assess the attitudes of residents of destinations of different sizes toward the activities of local government in regulating tourist traffic, which are understood as deconcentration strategies. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research method using the focus group interview method (focus study) was applied. The survey was conducted with six groups of respondents from cities experiencing the effects of overtourism and small towns and villages where these effects are not apparent. Findings The survey showed that not all residents of large and well-known cities (Krakow and Tricity) and smaller towns are optimistic about the deconcentration strategy. In particular, residents of areas outside the centers of large cities do not want the dispersion of tourists. Practical implications There is a fundamental conclusion to be drawn about the need for sustainable management, in which citizens are active players at the planning level. Social implications This study has shown the need for public consultation before introducing deconcentration strategies, as residents of large well-known cities and smaller towns are not always favorably disposed toward the tourism management solutions implemented by local authorities. Originality/value Despite managing tourism and teasing out deconcentration strategies, the effectiveness of these measures is an emerging fundamental problem, particularly regarding the perceptions of residents.