Bridging cultural divides: how perceived cultural distance, shared cultural elements, and emotional solidarity shape social distance in tourism

Sharma, Shavneet and Stylidis, Dimitrios and Singh, Gurmeet and Woosnam, Kyle M. (2026) Bridging cultural divides: how perceived cultural distance, shared cultural elements, and emotional solidarity shape social distance in tourism. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 67 . NA. ISSN 1447-6770

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Abstract

Social distance plays a crucial role in understanding intergroup relations and residents’ willingness to engage
with visitors. However, empirical research on the association between cultural and social distance and emotional solidarity and its determinants remains limited. To address this dearth in knowledge, this study investigates the relationships between cultural distance, shared beliefs, behaviors and interactions, emotional solidarity and
social distance. Survey data were collected from 407 Fijian residents and analyzed using covariance-based
structural equation modeling. The results highlight the central role of cultural distance in shaping emotional
solidarity and its antecedents, all of which exert varying influences on social distance. This study extends
intergroup contact and emotional solidarity theories by exploring their complex interactions within a non-
Western, multicultural tourism context. From a practical standpoint, the findings can inform tourism policies
that are culturally sensitive and promote sustainable development.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions:	School of Business and Management (SBM)
Depositing User:	Gurmeet Singh
Date Deposited:	14 Apr 2026 00:03
Last Modified:	14 Apr 2026 00:03
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15340

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