Assessment of coupling coordination between tourism development and economic growth after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake: Beichuan, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper establishes one comprehensive index system and investigates the coupling coordination between tourism development and economic growth of Beichuan County following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, as well as examines the causal relationship. The results of the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) illustrate that the coordinating level of tourism development and economic growth increases in 2001–2017, with strong fluctuation in 2008. The causal results using unit root test, Cointegration test, and Grange causal test show that tourism can significantly promote economic growth in 2008–2017. The outcomes may be attributed to the disaster shock, macro-policy and government-led reconstruction mode. Lastly, the theoretical and practical implications for policymakers are provided.