Faith tourism in Turkey: place attachment, quality of life, and length of residency: a two-tiered model testing approach

This study examines the factors influencing residents’ support for tourism development within the Faith Tourism Corridor in Turkey using a two-tiered model testing approach. It specifically investigates the effects of place attachment on faith tourism perception, perceived quality of life, and support for tourism, while also exploring the moderating role of length of residency. Data were collected from 2,151 participants aged 18 and above using structured Likert-type scales through convenience sampling, both face-to-face and online. In the first phase, the model was tested in Mersin, Hatay, and Gaziantep; in the second phase, it was validated in Şanlıurfa and Mardin to assess its applicability under different contextual conditions. The findings reveal that place attachment has a positive effect on both faith tourism perception and support for tourism. While faith tourism perception enhances quality of life, quality of life has a negative but significant impact on support for tourism. Additionally, length of residency does not play a moderating role in these relationships. Overall, strengthening place attachment and effectively managing quality-of-life expectations are crucial for increasing residents’ support for tourism development.