Search Results (81)

As the culture and tourism industry moves toward high-quality development, tourist perception has become a core dimension for measuring that quality. Most existing work on tourism spatial differentiation still looks at the supply side, and describes the pattern of tourism attractions. It pays limited attention to how supply and demand couple with each other, and it offers little systematic evidence from large-scale, highly heterogeneous regions. This study combines multi-source tourism point data with review texts from Trip.com (hereafter, Trip) and Rednote (Xiaohongshu). Using RoBERTa-wwm, a pretrained Chinese language model with whole-word masking, together with a coupling-coordination model and the geographical detector, we analyze how the spatial differentiation of tourism attractions couples with tourist perception, and we trace the driving mechanism to land resources, tourism resources and socioeconomic conditions. The results show that tourist sentiment perception in Xinjiang forms a spatial pattern that is led by core cities and declines outward layer by layer, and the coupling coordination between the distribution of tourism attractions and tourist sentiment perception remains higher in the north and lower in the south. The two systems do not, however, follow a simple linear relation: infrastructure coverage emerges as the strongest correlate of coordination, whereas regional economy and population size explain it only weakly. This study therefore extends the demand-side perspective in research on tourism spatial differentiation, and it offers a scientific basis and a decision-making reference for large-scale regions that seek to optimize tourism spatial layout and to upgrade the industrial quality. Full article

Tourism digitalization is widely viewed as a tool for sustainable local development, yet whether policy-led digital transformation generates measurable improvements in tourism-economy quality remains insufficiently tested. Treating the staggered establishment of China’s National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zones as a quasi-natural experiment, a sustainability-oriented index of high-quality tourism-economy development was constructed using 2011–2019 provincial panel data, and the policy effect was estimated with difference-in-differences and propensity-score-matched difference-in-differences models. The results show that the pilot zones significantly improve the sustainability-oriented quality of the tourism economy, a finding supported by parallel-trends tests, placebo tests, and multiple robustness checks. Heterogeneity analyses indicate positive effects across regional contexts and relatively larger estimated responses in the innovation, green, and shared development dimensions. For pilot-zone type, a more precisely estimated positive effect is shown for regional pilot zones within the current sample. Mechanism-oriented analyses show empirical patterns consistent with improvements in digital infrastructure, digital industry development, and regional innovation capacity as plausible explanatory channels. Quasi-natural experimental evidence is thus provided on how digital policy supports sustainable tourism and local development, with implications for destination governance, tourism service quality, and responsible digital transformation. Full article

In the context of the increasingly deepening concept of sustainable development, the coupling coordination between the digital economy (DE) and high-quality cultural tourism development (HQCTD) has become an important pathway for promoting the sustainable growth of Shanxi Province’s digital cultural tourism industry. Based on an in-depth analysis of the coupling relationship between the DE and HQCTD, and using panel data from 11 prefecture-level cities in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023, the entropy weight method and the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model were employed to investigate the relationship between the two systems, while the obstacle degree model and geographic detector were applied to identify the internal and external obstacle factors. The results indicate that both the DE and HQCTD in Shanxi Province experienced slight fluctuations under the impact of COVID-19, and significant spatial differences were observed in the comprehensive development levels of the two systems. The CCD between the DE and the HQCTD in Shanxi Province remains at a good level, with the spatial distribution having evolved from “a single-center pattern” to a “southward extension of the center”. The core obstacle factor for the DE is public budget expenditure, while the main obstacle factor for HQCTD is the number of students enrolled in higher-education institutions. The primary external driving factors at the single-factor level are industrial structure, opening up, and transportation accessibility, while the dominant interaction factors are Z2∩Z4, Z4∩Z6, Z1∩Z6, and Z1∩Z4, respectively. Based on these findings, development strategies are proposed. Full article

This study examines the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as a critical case study, constructing comprehensive evaluation frameworks for both ecological environment and tourism economy. We calculate the integrated development levels of both systems from 2010 to 2024, employing entropy weighting to derive composite development indices, Coupling Coordination Degree modeling to quantify the intensity and quality of system interactions, Relative Development Degree modeling to characterize coordination typologies and developmental asymmetries, and Grey Relational Analysis to identify key driving factors. Our findings reveal that although the coupling coordination of Xinjiang’s tourism–ecological system has transitioned from “mild imbalance” to “marginal coordination”, the system exhibits pronounced vulnerability and persistent “tourism-lag” dynamics. To effectively leverage the current “strategic window” of ecological surplus, we propose a multi-dimensional transformation pathway: (1) enhancing digital resilience through intelligent monitoring systems to mitigate external mobility shocks; (2) optimizing spatial connectivity via a “fast transit, slow travel” infrastructural paradigm; (3) institutionalizing micro-scale ecological governance to position oasis cities as sustainable “ecological gateways”; and (4) catalyzing deep cultural-tourism integration, shifting from scale-driven sightseeing to value-driven Silk Road heritage experiences. These pathways furnish a clear blueprint for Xinjiang to achieve high-quality, sustainable regional tourism development while maintaining its strategic positioning as a northwestern ecological security barrier. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the interaction and coordinated development of the digital economy and the tourism economy in China’s Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, using panel data from 27 cities covering the period from 2013 to 2022. Methods: Composite indices are constructed for the two subsystems, with indicator weights determined using the entropy method. A coupling coordination model is then applied to assess the extent and quality of their joint development. Exploratory spatial data analysis is further employed to examine spatial dependence and clustering patterns, with Moran’s I serving as a key analytical measure. Results: The findings indicate that both subsystems improved over the study period, although the digital economy advanced more quickly and showed greater regional disparity. The overall coordination level rose from a medium stage to a relatively high stage, yet uneven development persisted, particularly in Anhui. Spatially, coordination followed an east-high, west-low pattern, and high-level areas gradually spread outward from leading cities to form a core–periphery structure. Positive spatial clustering was evident in most years, pointing to clear regional agglomeration in digital–tourism coordination. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of differentiated regional policies, stronger inter-city collaboration, and deeper integration between digital development and tourism transformation. Full article

With the rapid expansion of rural tourism in China, high-quality development has become a key concern for academics and policymakers. Existing studies have focused primarily on economic and industrial growth, with limited attention paid to development quality from the perspective of resident well-being. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2022, this study establishes a multidimensional evaluation framework for high-quality rural tourism. We employed the entropy weight method, Theil index, and quadratic assignment procedure analysis to examine its level, regional differences, and driving factors. The findings revealed that: (1) the overall level of rural tourism development remained relatively low but rose steadily from 0.064 (2012) to 0.150 (2022) (134.38% cumulative growth), driven by supply-side improvements and demand-side expansion. (2) Pronounced regional inequalities existed: eastern provinces had higher overall levels but larger internal gaps, whereas central/western provinces had lower overall levels but smaller internal differences, with intra-regional disparities accounting for over 66% of the national inequality. (3) The tourism market and transportation were universal key drivers, but the underlying mechanisms differed: the ecological environment exerted greater influence in the east, while public services and living standards were more critical in the central/western regions. By incorporating resident well-being into a systemic analytical framework, this study reconceptualizes high-quality rural tourism as an adaptive socio-ecological system shaped by multilevel interactions among the economy, society, and the environment. The results provide empirical evidence and systemic governance insights for promoting balanced and sustainable rural tourism development. Full article

This study developed a Visitor Attraction Quality Checklist to evaluate amenity infrastructure. Seoullo 7017, an elevated linear park located in the Seoul Station area, is the study region. Drawing on the literature on urban regeneration and tourism, as well as amenity-based approaches and the quality evaluation of elevated linear parks, this study develops evaluation criteria that incorporate the physical environment and safety, accessibility and convenience, landscape and identity, and social usage and experience. By applying a longitudinal analysis, on-site qualitative evaluations were conducted between August 2017 and January 2026. The findings show that Seoullo 7017 functions well as a visitor attraction, offering high-standard safety infrastructure, cleanliness, and good esthetic value to accommodate diverse visitors. However, there is a seasonal disparity in cultural programming and limited connections to the surrounding local economy. This study also reveals that rigid planter designs, a lack of tree maintenance, and insufficient shaded areas limit spatial flexibility and visitor comfort. For Seoullo 7017 to pursue sustainability, it must refine its horticultural management, integrate with local businesses, and improve its design. The Visitor Attraction Quality Checklist serves as a longitudinal diagnostic tool for managing elevated urban linear parks as an outcome of global regeneration projects. Full article

Exploring the coordinated development of the tourism economy and ecological environment in China’s border areas is of great significance for promoting high-quality tourism development and ecological barrier construction in these regions. This study constructed an evaluation index system for the tourism economy and ecological environment in China’s border provinces and employed the comprehensive index method as well as coupling coordination, interactive coercion, and obstacle degree models to analyze the basic indices, coupling coordination relationship, interactive coercion relationship, and major obstacle factors of the tourism economy and ecological environment from 2009 to 2019. The results show the following. (1) The tourism economy index increased rapidly, presenting a distribution pattern of “high in the southwest, second in the northeast, and low in the northwest”; the ecological environment index fluctuated but rose, showing a distribution pattern of “single-pole leading and convergence among multiple provinces”, with Xizang maintaining a relatively good level. (2) The coupling coordination degree between the tourism economy and ecological environment steadily improved, with Liaoning, Yunnan, Xizang, and Guangxi achieving relatively good coordination levels. (3) The relationship between the tourism economy and ecological environment exhibited an evolutionary process of “stress first, then coordination”, characterized by spatial heterogeneity; therefore, each province should optimize the interactive coercion relationship according to local conditions. (4) Ecological environment state, tourism economic efficiency, and tourism economic scale are the main obstacle factors affecting the coordination between tourism and ecology. Regarding specific indicators, most provinces share common characteristics in their obstacle factors, while Liaoning and Xizang display unique particularities. Full article

The Sichuan–Xizang Railway corridor is not only a strategic transport passage but also a distinctive and widely visited tourism route. However, empirical evidence on the interactive relationships among transport, tourism, and economy (TTE) in this corridor remains scarce, even though coordinated development of these three systems is essential for achieving high-quality growth. This study develops a ternary coupling evaluation framework and applies the Entropy Weight Method, the Coupling Coordination Degree Model, and the Relative Development Degree Model to quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of six node cities (Chengdu, Ya’an, Garze, Qamdo, Nyingchi, and Lhasa) from 2012 to 2022. The results indicate differences in temporal dynamics across subsystems. The economy grows steadily, tourism rises with pronounced fluctuations, and transport shows the strongest vulnerability to the COVID-19 shock. Spatially, CCD exhibits a persistent “dumbbell-shaped” pattern, with higher coordination at the two ends (Chengdu and Lhasa) and weaker coordination in the central section. Structurally, RDD and heatmap results indicate convergence toward a transport-lagging structure (i.e., a relative lag in carrying capacity), and ternary trajectories drift away from the transport vertex, revealing structural divergence driven by an asymmetric growth rate mismatch: tourism demand expands faster than transport supply capacity. These findings provide a pre-completion baseline for the corridor and highlight priorities for correcting subsystem imbalance, including strengthening external links in the central section, improving hub-to-scenic internal connectivity, and leveraging digital outreach to support demand monitoring and destination management. Full article

Against the backdrop of global economic volatility, environmental pressures, and intensifying industry competition, tourism resilience has become a critical indicator for assessing the capacity of tourism systems to withstand external shocks and achieve sustainable development. As an important engine of high-quality economic growth, the digital economy provides new momentum for strengthening tourism economic resilience. Existing literature predominantly focuses on the direct impacts of the digital economy, with insufficient exploration of its mediating pathways and spatial effects. Based on panel data from 11 provinces in China’s Yangtze River Basin from 2011 to 2023, this study constructs comprehensive evaluation index systems for the digital economy and tourism economic resilience. A mediating effect model and a Spatial Durbin Model are employed to systematically examines the impact mechanisms and spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on tourism resilience. The results show that the digital economy significantly enhances tourism economic resilience, primarily by fostering openness and technological innovation. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that this effect is more pronounced in provinces located in the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin. Spatial analysis further reveals a significant positive local effect, accompanied by a negative spillover—or ‘siphon’—effect on neighboring provinces. Building upon the verification of the fundamental relationship, this study further extends the theoretical analytical framework of tourism resilience from the dimensions of mechanism decomposition and spatial effects. It thereby offers new empirical evidence and policy insights for fostering regional tourism resilience in the era of the digital economy. Full article

Beautiful Leisure Tourism Villages (BLTVs) represent an effective pathway for advancing high-quality rural industrial development and promoting comprehensive rural revitalization. They are of great significance to enriching new rural business formats and new functions. The analysis is interpreted within an integrated location–distance attenuation framework. Based on the methods of spatial clustering analysis, geographical linkage rate and geographical weighted regression, the spatio-temporal evolution of 1982 BLTVs in China up to 2023 was examined to uncover the underlying driving mechanisms. Findings indicated that (1) a staged expansion in the number of villages across China, with the most pronounced growth occurring between 2014 and 2018, averaged 124 new villages per year; their stage characteristics showed an obvious “unipolar core-bipolar multi-core-bipolar network” development model; (2) the barycenters of villages were all located in Nanyang City of Henan Province; they migrated from east to west, and formed a push and pull migration trend from east to west and then east; (3) the spatial distribution of villages was highly aggregated and demonstrated marked regional heterogeneity, following a south–north and east–west gradient, with the highest concentration in Jiangzhe and the lowest in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; and (4) natural ecology, hydrological and climatic conditions, socioeconomic context, transportation accessibility, and resource endowment collectively shaped the spatial layout of villages, exhibiting pronounced spatial variation in the intensity of these driving factors. On the whole, topography, social economy, traffic condition and precipitation condition had greater influences on the spatial distribution of villages in the western than in the eastern part of China. In contrast, the effects of resource endowment and temperature on the spatial distribution of BLTVs were stronger in eastern China than in western China. These findings enhance the theoretical understanding of tourism-oriented rural development by integrating spatio-temporal evolution with a location–distance attenuation perspective and provide differentiated guidance for the sustainable development of BLTVs across regions. Full article

As a driver of growth for the urban economy, the night-time economy plays an irreplaceable role in promoting the high-quality development of cities. However, research on the night-time economy within the context of cultural and tourism integration remains insufficient, particularly regarding its industrial and spatial characteristics and influencing factors. This study used a spatial analysis method to explore the spatial differentiation characteristics of the night-time economy, and Geodetector to explore the influencing factors of its spatial differentiation in the main urban area of Zunyi City. The results indicate that (1) night-time economic formats exhibit an overall central agglomeration pattern; (2) various formats generally show a spatial trend of “central concentration–peripheral dispersion”; (3) among the three administrative urban districts of Zunyi, Bozhou District and Huichuan District exhibit notably higher agglomeration levels of night-time economic activities, while Honghuagang District presents a relatively lower level of such agglomeration; and (4) economic, social, environmental, and transportation factors collectively shape the spatial heterogeneity of the night-time economy across the three districts, with GDP, residential density, and transportation accessibility standing out as the most influential determinants. The results are intended not only to facilitate the development of Zunyi City’s night-time economy and the prosperity of its tourism sector from the perspective of the integration of culture and tourism, but also to provide an empirical basis for the night-time economy development of this renowned historical and cultural city. Full article

Studying the coordination between urban economic resilience (ER) and high-quality tourism development (HQTD) is crucial to understanding tourism’s role in responding to economic shifts and driving urban economic transformation. Using 2010–2023 panel data from the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) and a “measurement—evolution—disparity—diagnosis” framework, this study examines their coupling coordination via the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, kernel density estimation, Gini coefficient decomposition, and influence coordination force index, elucidating spatiotemporal evolution, regional disparities, and drivers. The results show: (1) YREB synergies strengthened significantly, with ER and HQTD increasingly reinforcing each other; (2) Eastern coordination levels markedly exceeded central and western ones, reflecting persistent regional imbalances; (3) Coupling coordination converged toward higher levels, with inter-city gaps narrowing. Recommendations include enhancing regional coordination, balancing ecology and economy, fostering industrial innovation, and promoting social participation. This study provides empirical support for integrated, sustainable regional economic-tourism development. Full article

The rapid development of the digital economy (DE) provides a new driving force for high-quality tourism development (HQTD). How to coordinate HQTD and DE is an urgent issue to be resolved. In this study, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between HQTD and DE in Chinese prefecture-level cities is analysed using the CCD model, and the factors driving CCD are identified by Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). The results show that (1) Chinese city-level HQTD and DE show a rising trend from 2010 to 2019. The national average rises from 0.1807 and 0.2434 in 2010 to 0.2318 and 0.4113 in 2019, respectively, with HQTD’s development lagging noticeably behind DE. (2) CCD exhibits marked inter-regional disparities and intra-regional clustering. The northwest region has the lowest values, with many cities’ CCD below 0.5, indicating an imbalanced status. In 2019, all cities in the eastern region are in a balanced status, with Shanghai exceeding 0.8. (3) Total social retail sales per capita and percentage of tertiary sector are the key drivers of CCD; economic development and urbanisation rate exhibit a non-linear relationship with CCD. The CCD in developed cities in the east and north is driven by consumption, whereas the northwest region is primarily influenced by factors related to labour capital. Based on these conclusions, some policy implications are provided for the synergistic development of HQTD and DE. Full article

The digital economy is significantly transforming the global economic environment and has emerged as the primary driver behind China’s high-quality development. The comprehensive melding of the cultural and tourism sectors (CTI) serves as a strategic approach to boost regional competitiveness and enhance public welfare. This study investigates the mechanisms and boundary conditions through which the growth of the digital economy across China’s 31 provinces from 2011 to 2023 impacts CTI, aiming to address existing research gaps related to micro-level transmission mechanisms and the analysis of contextual variables. Utilizing a two-way fixed-effects moderated mediation model complemented by instrumental variable (IV-2SLS) regression for testing endogeneity, the research uncovers intricate interactions among the digital economy, CTI, and significant influencing factors. The results strongly suggest that advancements in the digital economy substantially facilitate the integration of cultural and tourism sectors. This beneficial effect is partially mediated through two primary channels: the construction of new infrastructure and enhancements in employment quality, underscoring the critical role of both material and human capital in digital empowerment. Significantly, this research uniquely identifies that new quality productive forces (NQP) have a notable negative moderating impact on the link between the digital economy and cultural–tourism integration. This indicates that in provinces exhibiting high levels of NQP, the positive influence of the digital economy on cultural–tourism integration is considerably diminished. This unexpected finding can be interpreted through mechanisms such as resource dilution, varied integration pathways or maturity effects, along with differences in developmental stages and priorities. Furthermore, it resonates well with the resource-based view, innovation ecosystem theory, and dynamic capability theory. Instrumental variable regression further substantiates the notable positive influence of the digital economy on the integration of cultural tourism. This approach effectively tackles potential endogeneity concerns and reveals the upward bias that may exist in fixed-effects models. The findings contribute significantly to theoretical frameworks by enhancing the understanding of the intricate mechanisms facilitating the digital economy and, for the first time, innovatively designating NQP as a surprising key boundary condition. This enriches theories related to industrial advancement and resource allocation in the digital age. On a practical note, the research provides nuanced and differentiated policy guidance aimed at optimizing pathways for integration across various Chinese provinces at different stages of development. Additionally, it underscores significant implications for other developing nations engaged in digital tourism growth, thereby improving its global relevance. Full article