Tourism development in protected areas often generates public debate, yet the social drivers of community acceptance remain underexplored. Using survey data from 1000 Australians and a latent-class choice model, this study examines how trust in institutions, perceptions of distributional fairness, and emotional responses shape support for tourism development. Trust, driven by confidence in governance and procedural fairness, along with perceptions and emotions about distributional fairness, significantly influenced public support. Latent class analysis revealed distinct segments that differ in preferences regarding ownership models and management approaches. Findings highlight that public support is context-dependent and driven by the nature of the development. Transparent, inclusive governance and equitable benefit distribution can strengthen social licence, reduce conflict, and promote sustainable tourism in protected areas. • Trust in institutions is a key driver of public support for tourism development in protected areas. • Distributional fairness and emotions also impact public support. • Different segments have varying preferences for tourism ownership and management.
Demeter et al. (Thu,) studied this question.