Residents' Coping Strategies Amid Xenophobia in Over‐Tourism: A Governmental Focus Regulation Perspective

ABSTRACT Resident xenophobia induced by over‐tourism poses a critical challenge to sustainable destination development, yet limited research has examined its coping mechanisms and the role of government policies. Guided by Stress Coping Theory and Regulatory Focus Theory, this study conducted a quantitative survey of 406 residents experiencing over‐tourism and tested the research hypotheses using SmartPLS 4.0 software. The results show that problem‐oriented coping shows the highest efficiency in enhancing residents' hospitality and reducing their complaining behavior. Emotion‐oriented coping has a similar but more modest effect. Avoidance‐oriented coping, by contrast, demonstrates the opposite mediation effects. Moreover, promotion‐focused policies weaken the relationships between xenophobia and problem−/emotion‐oriented coping, whereas prevention‐focused policies amplify them. No moderation effect is observed for avoidance‐oriented coping. By integrating these two theories, this study extends the understanding of coping processes in over‐tourism contexts and offers practical insights for inclusive governance strategies to reduce xenophobia and promote constructive host–guest relationships.