Coupling relationship between transportation and tourism systems—a case study in the Huizhou City, China

Abstract

Coupling relationship between transportation and tourism systems is significant to the sustainable development of regional economy, society and environment. Based on the coupling coordination degree model and scenario analysis method, the coupling relationship between transportation and tourism systems in the Huizhou City was studied in this research. The results showed that during 2014 and 2015, the coupling coordination degree between the two systems in the Huizhou City was at a moderate imbalance level. In terms of the districts and counties in the city, Huicheng District was at a moderate imbalance level, while Huiyang District, Longmen, Boluo and Huidong Counties were at a slight imbalance level. Results from the scenario analysis indicated that in order to improve the coordination between the transportation and tourism systems, decision makers in Huicheng and Huiyang Districts are supposed to increase effort to develop tourism while those in Longmen, Boluo and Huidong Counties are expected to pay more attention to transportation development. This research will help provide a decision-making basis for the urban planning in the Huizhou City. It will also provide a theoretical and methodological support for the other areas with similar concerns.