Based on extant research, this study proposes a model that integrates destination social responsibility (DSR), relationship quality with local residents (i.e. overall community satisfaction, resident trust, and resident identification), and destination economic performance. With survey data collected from a well-known ancient town in South China, this study determined that DSR could enhance the relationship quality between the destination and its residents, which could then improve economic performance in a general manner. Implications for tourism planners and destination management organizations as well as for interested researchers are presented at the end of this study.