Study on the opinions, perceptions, valuations and attitudes of the residents of Gran Canaria - Spain on the effects of tourism and tourists on the island

Presentation of the sociological research project on tourism and its progress of results; "Study on the opinions, perceptions, valuations and attitudes of the residents of Gran Canaria - Spain on the effects of tourism and tourists on the island". Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (TiDES) of the University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria (ULGPC). Tourism in the Canary Islands means nearly the30% of GDP and generates a similar percentage of jobs. These few general data illustrate clearly the importance of tourism in the society and in the economy of the Canary Islands and in Gran Canaria. Nearly 2 million and a half of foreign tourists visited the island of Gran Canaria in 2010; this means one of the highest tourist per capita percentages in the world. The impact on the residents of this great tourist flow is at least quite considerable. So the opinions and perceptions of residents about the positive and negative effects of tourism and tourists on the island, are essential.  We analyze the perceptions and opinions about the degree and type of social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts, also impacts on infrastructure, customs, and on the daily lives of many local residents influenced by the tourist flow. Also the degree of contact and integration among tourists and residents and the interest for tourism management and tourism, as well the positive and negative effects generated on the local populations. The used research methodology is through the use of quantitative techniques of social research (survey) and qualitative techniques of social research (interviews semi-structured, participant- observation, focus groups, ethnographic, photographic and georeferencing resources). Samples are representative according to type of zone (specifically tourist or not), sex and age groups.