The role of residents' core self‐evaluations (CSE) in shaping their attitudes towards tourism has been rarely examined in tourism impact literature. This study proposes an integrative model, in which perceived benefits and costs mediate the relationship between CSE and support for tourism. This model has been empirically tested using a sample of 324 respondents from four villages on Hainan Island, China. This study finds that the effects of CSE on support for tourism are both collectively mediated by perceived benefits and perceived costs and individually by perceived benefits. Finally, theoretical and practical implications of managing and developing tourism are discussed.