Evolution of comprehensive transportation and tourism economy in China’s Yellow River basin

Abstract

The development of tourism economic systems (TESs) in the Yellow River basin (YRB) was assessed by investigating the importance of high-quality, comprehensive transportation systems (CTSs). The characteristics of the coupled and dynamic interactions between these two systems at macro- and micro-levels were analysed using data fitting, a coupling model and the Haken model. The results revealed the temporal trends and spatial heterogeneity of CTSs and TESs. The comprehensive development score of the TES indicated a nearly linear trend. In most provinces, CTS development lagged behind TES development. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) for all provinces was 0.1–0.3, indicating a stage of imbalance and recession. The CCDs of the middle and lower reaches of the YRB indicated a slight increasing trend, while that of the upper reaches exhibited a slightly decreasing trend. The average synergy level between the two systems was in the middle stage. In the synergy development process, the TES was an order parameter that controlled the path and direction of the coordinated evolution of the two systems for the nine provinces and three reaches, respectively. The evolution of both CTSs and TESs contributed to negative feedback on the tourism and transport systems, ultimately enhancing the system order. This study offers insights and recommendations for policymakers on promoting the coordinated evolution of CTSs and TESs for sustainable development.