Resumo: This article examines the opinions of the localpopulation on the south coast of the Spanishprovince of Alicante regarding the developmentof tourism in recent years, analysing theirperception of the benefi ts of tourism using thesocial exchange theory. This study is presentedin two stages. The qualitative stage, whichis based on in-depth interviews and focusgroups, acts as a guide for the second stage,which consists of a survey conducted with theresident Spanish population. It was found thatpeople linked to the tourist sector through theirwork view tourism as the driving force behindthe economic and social development of theirtowns, although they are more critical thanothers of the model that has been established.They defend the development process that hastaken place, but feel that overcrowding bringstheir towns to a standstill and needs to beresolved.
