Residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts and regulatory measures: the case of Lucerne’s urban destination

This paper investigates residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts and regulatory requirements in Lucerne following the post-pandemic resumption of tourism. After a long period of relative tranquillity for residents, their current views offer timely and valuable insights. These perceptions can inform future urban development and support more sustainable, resident-oriented destination planning strategies. A survey invitation was distributed to over 7,000 residents of Lucerne using a simple random sampling method, with more than 1,700 residents responding. The dataset was examined through factor analysis, hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering, and Importance-Performance Map Analysis. Factor analysis identifies five key perceptual components: (a) negative tourism impacts, (b) positive social and cultural impacts, (c) positive economic impacts, (d) regulation on tourists and (5) regulation on coaches. Three distinct resident clusters emerged. These clusters vary in terms of behavioural factors and perceptual awareness, reflecting clear differences in how residents engage with tourism. Furthermore, the IPMA highlights the issues each group considers most salient, which is applicable for the practical implication. By identifying distinct clusters of residents with varying sensitivities to tourism impacts and regulatory measures, the research provides a contribution to understanding how differing perceptual awareness and behavioural differences can impact the residents’ acceptance of tourism, patterns that may themselves be conditioned by residents’ tolerance levels. This nuanced lens moves beyond generic demographic clustering and offers policymakers a framework to align tourism growth with residents’ lived experiences and long-term well-being.