Tourism Impacts of the UNESCO Creative Cities Classification and Destination Recovery: Residents' Perceptions

Considering the classification of the Portuguese cities of Amarante, Braga and Barcelos as UNESCO Creative Cities in 2017, this study employs the case study approach to understand local residents' perceptions of the implications that this classification can bring to each of these cities, to their communities and to local tourism development. More specifically, the research explores the perceived tourism-induced impacts and destination recovery on the three cities, given their certification as Creative Cities. An online questionnaire was used in April 2018 to collect the opinions of local residents. The main findings of this study reveal that most of the respondents are familiarised with the UNESCO Creative Cities classification and are aware that their municipality was awarded this classification in 2017. The findings also reveal that the residents of the three cities have a strongly positive perception of the UNESCO Creative Cities classification. The large majority considers that the classification is important for the tourism development of the cities. A variety of tourism-induced impacts are perceived by the local communities. Overall, the positive impact perceptions outweigh the perceived negative effects. This study contributes to the tourism literature, destination (management) recovery and to local development and place policies of tourist destinations.