Me versus them – interest-based conflict lines between tourists and residents

Conflicts between tourists and residents occur frequently at the destination level and reflect the antagonistic positions of the two groups, which is mirrored in tourism research and concepts. Following the traditional conflict theory of Dahrendorf and Coser, conflicts cannot be solved but regulated. The paper provides a conceptual framework for how such a regulation based on conflict theory can be applied to the tourism context and the antagonistic setting. Apart from the theoretical discussion of conflicts, the paper also sheds light on the possibilities to integrate a specific group of tourists who stay significantly longer at a destination, resulting in residential interest becoming relevant to them. Such a group of people can be called ‘Tourical Residents’ based on the still existing touristic purpose of the extended stay or second-home residency. Based on the integration process, this particular group may assist in regulating the interpersonal conflict between residents and tourists, as they have to address the conflict on an intrapersonal level.