GALVESTON — Galveston residents are being asked how tourism affects their neighborhoods and quality of life as the island launches its third resident survey examining local attitudes toward the tourism industry.

Visit Galveston, a division of the Galveston Park Board, opened its 2026 Resident Sentiment Survey this week. Residents can participate through Sept. 27.

The approximately 10-minute survey asks residents about tourism’s effect on quality of life, vacation rentals and neighborhoods, Galveston’s culture and authenticity, and whether residents recommend local attractions to visiting friends and family.

Residents can also weigh in on recreational amenities they would like to see funded in the future.

“Tourism is an important part of Galveston’s economy, but we also recognize that its impact goes well beyond dollars and jobs,” Visit Galveston Executive Director Tony Lyle said. “The people who live here experience those impacts every day.”

Visit Galveston is working with Longwoods International to conduct the survey. The organizations began their research partnership six years ago, with previous resident sentiment surveys conducted in 2020 and 2024.

Officials said conducting the survey again will allow them to compare residents’ current attitudes with previous results and national benchmarks developed through Longwoods International’s resident sentiment research.

The survey comes as tourism continues to represent a significant portion of Galveston’s economy.

Visitor spending generated an estimated $1.7 billion in total economic impact in 2025, supported 12,799 local jobs and generated $125 million in state and local tax revenue, according to a Tourism Economics study cited by Visit Galveston.

Visit Galveston said approximately one in three jobs on the island is supported by tourism.

The Park Board said it wants to use the survey to better understand how those economic benefits compare with residents’ experiences with tourism and its effects on the community.

“Building a better destination for visitors starts with creating a strong community for the people who live here,” Lyle said. “The more residents we hear from, the better information we have to help guide decisions about Galveston’s future.”

The survey will remain open through Sept. 27.