Acceptance of Tourist Offers and Territory: Cluster Analysis of Ibiza Residents (Spain)

Abstract

Heterogeneity studies have analyzed different clusters of residents according to their perception and attitude toward tourism in general or a specific type of tourism, but there are still no studies on the heterogeneity in the acceptance of tourist offers. The aim of this article was to segment residents according to their acceptance of different tourist offers focused on the territory. This is a new approach that seeks to determine the profiles of residents based on their preferences for the future development of a destination’s offer in order to solve land-related problems. Cluster analysis carried out by the K-means algorithm made it possible to create five clusters: Disappointed, favorable with nuances, moderate, enthusiasts but anti-nightclub, and enthusiasts. The clusters were characterized by the rejection of the “all inclusive” offer and by the acceptance of most offers. The types of tourism that involve an enhancement of the landscape and heritage were shown to be the best valued. The differences between the clusters were marked by the degree of general acceptance and by the rejection of some offers considered “conflicting.” The offers that imply a high consumption of land (golf courses) or annoyances from the immediate surroundings (nightclubs) generated discrepancies.