This study considers both economic and non-economic factors to examine how residents perceive tourism and ultimately develop pro-tourism behaviour. The concepts used in model creation are Social Exchange Theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action. Based on data derived from 418 residents of the Cape Verde Islands (off the coast of western Africa) a structural equation model is used to test how perceived personal benefits and general economic conditions shape perceptions of tourism, and in turn how these perceptions determine pro-tourism behaviour. Additionally, the concept of welcoming behaviour is included in the model. It is found the perceived tourism impacts mediate between welcoming and pro-tourism behaviours. Proposed conceptual framework of residents’ pro-tourism development behaviour. Display omitted •This study examines economic factors (State of the local economy and perceived personal economic benefits) and non-economic factor (residents' degree of welcoming tourists) as antecedents of residents' attitudes to tourism and pro-tourism development behaviour.•Economic factors have direct influence on residents' pro-tourism development behaviour.•The relationship between non-economic factor and pro-tourism development behaviour is mediated by positive attitudes only.•Both attitudes to positive impacts and negative impacts have direct influence in residents' pro-tourism development behaviour.