Conceptualism of rural tourism community well-being from a bottom-up spillover perspective: scale development and validation

Purpose This study aims to deconstruct the dimensions, structure and specific measurement of rural tourism community well-being (RTCWB) from a bottom-up spillover perspective through four studies. Design/methodology/approach In Stage 1, the study found a nine-item scale of RTCWB based on the bottom-up spillover perspective in developing countries. In Stage 2, exploratory factor analysis was conducted (n = 131). In Stage 3 (n = 301) and Stage 4 (n = 326), confirmatory factor analysis and nomological validity tests were conducted to develop and test RTCWB scale containing nine items and two dimensions. Findings RTCWB scale comprises two dimensions with nine items in total: rural community non-material well-being and rural community material well-being (RCMW). Government tourism support can significantly influence RCMW, and RTCWB can positively impact residents’ support for further tourism development. Originality/value The study deconstructs RTCWB and bridges the gap in the focus of well-being research on rural communities, particularly rural tourism communities in developing countries. The rural community well-being scale provides a new measurement tool and a valid practical tool for measuring and assessing the conditions of rural community development.