Comparing resident and tourist perceptions of an urban park: a latent profile analysis of perceived place value

Abstract

Sustainable management of cities is only attainable when urban spaces are understood as spaces where residents and tourists can coexist even with different interests and priorities. Urban parks are a prime example of urban spaces where residents and tourists mingle; they are only sustainable if the different perceptions of place of the two groups are understood. Therefore, the current study examines 652 visitors at Gwanggyo Lake Park (GLP) in South Korea to compare tourist and resident perceptions. Employing Latent Profile Analysis of perceived place value, the current study identified three valid profiles for visitors of GLP: Relationship Seekers, Activity Seekers, and Environment Seekers. This analysis also found significant differences between profiles of residents and tourists visiting GLP in terms of demographic and behavioral characteristics. Based on the differences between resident and tourist perceptions, theoretical and practical implications are offered for sustainable management of urban parks and other attractions.