Emotional intelligence as a catalyst for emotional solidarity in tourism: insights from Fiji

Woosnam, Kyle M. and Sharma, Shavneet and Stylidis, Dimitrios and Singh, Gurmeet and Hollas, Chadley R. (2025) Emotional intelligence as a catalyst for emotional solidarity in tourism: insights from Fiji. Current Issues in Tourism, NA . NA. ISSN 1368-3500

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Abstract

Given the pressing need to improve resident-tourist relationships as of late, this study examines the role of emotional intelligence in enhancing emotional solidarity between residents and tourists. Using structural equation modelling, a multi-dimensional model of residents’ emotional intelligence, which includes mood regulation, appraisal of emotions, utilisation of emotions, and social skills, is assessed as a predictor of residents’ emotional solidarity (encompassing dimensions of a welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding) with tourists. Analyzing data from 407 residents of six prominent destinations in Fiji, the results indicate that higher levels of optimism/mood regulation significantly predict all dimensions of emotional solidarity. Social skills also emerge as strong predictors, and the ability to utilise emotions positively correlates with all dimensions of emotional solidarity. However, the capacity to appraise emotions, while instrumental in fostering a welcoming nature and emotional closeness, does not significantly predict sympathetic understanding, suggesting the influence of other factors on the improvement of empathy. Moderation analysis reveals that quality interactions with tourists can significantly alter these relationships. These findings highlight the strategic value of emotional intelligence in enriching resident-tourist relations and suggest that interventions aimed at boosting residents’ emotional skills may be beneficial for improving tourist experiences.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
Divisions:	School of Business and Management (SBM)
Depositing User:	Gurmeet Singh
Date Deposited:	12 Mar 2025 23:23
Last Modified:	12 Mar 2025 23:23
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14860

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