Tourism Network Research Articles

Measuring communities’ efficiencies within the global tourism network

Tourist flows between countries shape the global tourism network, with tightly interconnected nations forming distinct communities. These communities have significant implications for the global tourism patterns. However, existing research on tourism networks rarely provides an in-depth analysis of these communities, particularly lacking systematic and quantifiable methodologies. To address this gap, we apply complex network theory and analyze international tourist flow data from 1995 to 2021 to construct global tourism networks. Using community detection and similarity calculations, we categorize the global tourism network evolution into four distinct stages. Additionally, through theoretical deduction, we develop methods to assess the communities’ structural, performance, and functional efficiency, calculating their efficiencies to reveal evolutionary trends. Finally, utilizing a mixed-effects model, the impact of 11 indicators on community efficiencies has been examined. This study contributes to the theoretical foundation of tourism networks and offers valuable insights for global international tourism organizations.

Dynamic coupled coordination and spatial correlation between ice-snow tourism network attention and tourism industry development systems: Evidence from 31 provinces of China

Using the coupled coordination degree model, DEA coupled coordination efficiency model, and spatial autocorrelation model, this study explored the dynamic coupled coordination relationship and spatial correlation between the ice-snow tourism network attention and tourism industry development in 31 Chinese provinces and proposed suggestions pertaining to development. Our findings showed that (1) most provinces have not yet achieved excellent coordinated development between the two systems, and the coupled coordination efficiency is low. Each province's coupled coordination degree and coordination efficiency exhibited a small increase. (2) Spatial differences in the coupled coordination level and coordination efficiency of the two systems in each province were more evident. In seven provinces, including Heilongjiang, tourism industry development demonstrated a relatively high utilization rate and enhanced ice-snow tourism network attention. (3) The rankings of the coupled coordination degree and coordination efficiency of the two systems in each province remained relatively stable at the upper and lower ends, with large changes in the central provinces. The coupled coordination efficiency of Heilongjiang, Beijing, Jilin, and Shanghai remained at the top of the list steadily, whereas Tibet, Anhui, and Qinghai stayed at the bottom. In contrast, the ranking of the coupled coordination efficiency of Inner Mongolia, Henan, and Jiangsu displayed a great change. (4) The spatial correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation that decreased annually. Some provinces exhibited characteristics of spatial aggregation, with a high-high aggregation effect in Liaoning and Jilin, a low-low aggregation effect in Gansu and Qinghai, and no spatial aggregation effect in most other provinces.

How does information and communication technology promote tourism development? Evidence from the e-commerce pilot city policy in China

Information and communication technology (ICT) drives tourism development. Utilising the e-commerce pilot city policy (CNEP) as a quasi-natural experiment, this study explores the effect of ICT on tourism development and the transmission mechanism. A multi-period difference-in-differences model is used to analyse panel data from 280 Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2003 to 2019. The results show that the CNEP promotes tourism development. The transmission mechanism indicates that the CNEP promotes tourism development by reducing tourism environmental costs and increasing tourism network attention. Additionally, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that the CNEP has a more significant effect on promoting tourism development in large and big-internet-scale cities. These findings provide crucial empirical evidence for the tourism-driven impact of ICT and meaningful policy implications for the tourism industry’s digital transformation.

Women's Solo Travel and Gender Equality: Insights from Labuan Bajo According to the SDG

Objective: This study aims to analyze the tourism network of Labuan Bajo, focusing on identifying key destinations and their roles within the network, particularly for women solo travelers. The objective is to enhance tourism management by understanding these dynamics. Theoretical Framework: This research is underpinned by tourist and gender studies, which provide a foundation for examining the connectivity and influence of tourist destinations, as well as the specific needs and patterns of woman solo travelers. Method: The methodology involves creating edge and node lists from TripAdvisor reviews, followed by network construction using centrality measures—degree, betweenness, and eigen centrality. Network visualization techniques are applied to interpret relationships between destinations. Data was collected from January 1, 2020, to September 1, 2023, with 2,843 reviews analyzed. Results and Discussion: The results reveal that Padar Island is the most central and influential destination, serving as a key hub for woman solo travelers. Other significant destinations include Loh Liang National Park, Kanawa Island,Kalong Island, and Cunca Wulang Waterfall. Rangko Cave, however, shows the lowest centrality measurements. The network's division into clusters highlights distinct patterns in woman solo travel behavior and preferences. These findings suggest strategic areas for investment and improvement to enhance tourist experiences and promote women's equality in travel. Research Implications: The study's findings provide practical insights for tourism management, suggesting targeted investments and infrastructure development in high-centrality areas. Improving safety, accessibility, and amenities at key hubs can create a more inclusive environment for woman solo travelers. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by combining network analysis with gender-focused tourism research, offering a novel approach to understanding and improving tourism dynamics in emerging destinations. The insights gained can influence sustainable tourism development and gender equality in travel.

Research On the Ecologically Sustainable Development of Tribal Homestays in Taiwan Based on Tourism Network Value Creation

Research On the Ecologically Sustainable Development of Tribal Homestays in Taiwan Based on Tourism Network Value Creation

Booking and Reservation System: A Unified Application Using Location-Based Services for Sustainable Tourism Networks

The LakByahe Application offers a ground-breaking solution to revolutionize tourism in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. It is a unified application aiming to address existing challenges by incorporating user-centric features. Through an advanced location-based services and streamlined booking processes, the application intends to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability in the tourism sector. By providing real-time tracking, efficient transit solutions, and a comprehensive directory of establishments, the LakByaheapp fills information gaps and fosters economic growth by connecting tourists with local businesses. The study adopts a mixed-method research approach, combining quantitative techniques with qualitative methods to comprehensively investigate and enhance the booking and reservation system. The software development life cycle for the application involves critical stages such as requirement analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Suggestions and recommendations based on survey responses include incorporating augmented reality experiences, offering curated tour packages, creating community forums, and ensuring offline access to maps. The ongoing collaboration with local businesses and tourists, regular updates, user training sessions, and a well-crafted marketing strategy are recommended to amplify the app's impact. Overall, the LakByahe App presents a comprehensive solution to improve the province’s tourism industry, fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the region

Exploring the role of information technology in tourism informatics: state of the art

ABSTRACT With the deepening application of information technology in the field of tourism, tourism informatics as a new research field came into being. In this study, qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to systematically summarize and evaluate the related research of tourism informatics. First, the history and global structure were summarized; Second, the research theories, data, and methods were analyzed. Third, five genres of content were explored: the tourism information industry; spatiotemporal analysis of tourism informatics; data mining in tourism informatics; tourism information behavior; tourism network marketing. The study found that the emerging topics of tourism informatics are constantly proposed, and the research boundaries are constantly expanded. The research gradually develops from the static phenomenon to the comprehensive application of multidisciplinary methods, theories and multiple heterogeneous data. But the research of tourism informatics has many problems, this paper discusses these problems and puts forward the the future research direction.

A study on the spatial differences between the tourism network attention and tourism flow in Shanghai, China

The tourism network attention as a reflection of tourism demand is closely related to the tourism flow, the differences between the two has become an important criterion for judging the efficiency of destination tourism demand conversion, as well as a manifestation of the balance and coordination of destination tourism industry. Against the background of insufficient release of tourism demand in China, research on the development differences between tourism network attention and tourism flow can provide a basis for demand-side management and high-quality development. Based on the theory of spatial mismatch, this research analyzes the spatial development difference between the tourism network attention and the tourism flow in Shanghai from 2012 to 2021 using methods such as center of gravity model, spatial mismatch index, and two-dimensional combination matrix. The results show: (1) According to the analysis of the center of gravity model, there was a shift of the center of gravity of tourism network attention with the direction of "south-north", while the tourism flow shifted "west-east"; the center of gravity between tourism network attention and tourism flow began to diverge from 2012 to 2016, gradually converged from 2016 to 2019, and then gradually deviated again after 2020. (2) According to the spatial mismatch index, the spatial mismatch types between tourism network attention and tourism flow in various Districts of Shanghai are mainly negative and low mismatch, with high mismatch areas mainly distributed in the eastern and southwestern parts of Shanghai. (3) Combining the two-dimensional combination matrix, it can be observed that the spatial development difference between tourism network attention and tourism flow in Shanghai show a characteristic of "enlarging-shrinking-enlarging". From 2012 to 2016, the spatial development difference between tourism network attention and tourism flow in Shanghai continuously expanded; from 2017 to 2019, the spatial development difference continuously shrank; and from 2020 to 2021, the spatial differences expanded again. (4) The analysis results of the panel data model show that the development of tourism resources and the level of tourism services have a positive promoting effect on the evolution of spatial mismatch, while the social basic development environment has a negative effect. The research results not only meet the needs of evaluating the high-quality development of the tourism industry in the current economic restructuring, providing direction for the high-quality development of the regional tourism industry, but also enrich the research content of network attention as a tourism element participating in the evaluation of tourism industry development quality, and deepen the relationship research between network attention and tourism flow.

The construction of sports tourism projects under the strategy of national fitness by wireless sensor network

Abstract In recent years, sports events have continuously attracted people’s attention, and people’s enthusiasm and participation in sports have been rising. The sports + tourism model can meet people’s travel needs and enjoy sports-related entertainment and experiences. With the expansion of sports tourism, people have a new understanding of sports + tourism. Sports tourism based on the current strategic background of national fitness is an emerging industry, and it has had a certain degree of development prospects before this. This article explores traditional sports tourism with national characteristics under the blessing of the wireless sensor network. This exploration discusses and explores the development and construction of local sports + tourism in terms of literature and logical analysis. The experimental results of this article show that most consumers are not satisfied with the construction of sports tourism network information, and they are the least satisfied with key information coverage, e-commerce, and security systems. It shows that in these aspects, the construction of sports tourism informatization is relatively lagging, and it is in urgent need of improvement and improvement.

Supporting tourism through the promotion of cycling: GIS model applied in the metropolitan area of Cagliari (Italy)

In Italy, where bicycle culture is struggling to catch on, the Extraordinary Plan for Tourism Mobility 2017–22 aims to increase the accessibility of tourist sites through safe and pleasant cycling routes, interconnected with other modes of transport. These same objectives have been pursued by Sardinia, one of the Italian regions more attractive to tourists, through the design of a regional cycle network and a long-distance tourist cycling routes (Ciclovia della Sardegna).The current study focuses on tourism mobility in the metropolitan city of Cagliari, the largest urban area in Sardinia, and aims to explore how much the existing and planned cycling routes constitute an alternative mobility solution for tourists who intend to reach the beaches. In particular, the study aims to evaluate the level of accessibility offered by bicycling to the beaches, which are among the most visited and attractive places for tourists, before and after the implementation of a regional bike tourism network system. A GIS-based procedure was employed and the method comprised of three main steps: (1) data collection and preparation, (2) GIS analysis, and (3) assessment of results. We performed two main types of analysis using GIS. First, we delineated service areas around each beach for various distances. Then, we overlaid and analyzed these areas in conjunction with the accommodation facilities. Second, we measured the accessibility of beaches using a gravity-based accessibility index.Our results demonstrate that, following the implementation of the regional cycle network Sardinia, various zones in the metropolitan area of Cagliari significantly increased their level of accessibility to the beaches, while others did not. Importantly, the adopted methodology has proven to be a valid tool for assessing cycling accessibility for different infrastructure scenarios.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Voluntourism Network Attention in China: An empirical Test Based on Big Data Analysis

Based on the Baidu index platform, this study takes panel data of 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipality directly under the central government in China from 2019 to 2023 as a research sample, and and uses big data to empirically analyze the influencing factors of the Voluntourism Network Attention in China. This study chose the Voluntourism Network Attention as the explanatory variable, the seven indicators including the consumption level of the residents, the population above the college and the total tourism revenue of the region as explained variables. Using the STATA15.0 software, the big data model is determined by a descriptive test, a unit root test, a co-integration test, a variance expansion factor (VIF) test, etc. The regression equation of this study was constructed by the generalized least squares method. The empirical study is conducted to determine the influence mode and degree of each factor on the public interest tourism network attention and analyzes the internal causes. The results show that the educational level of the region, the level of economic development and the level of tourism development have a significant positive impact on the Voluntourism Network Attention, and the regression coefficient of the education level and economic development level is the largest. Both of them are the main factors of network the Voluntourism Network Attention. In view of the empirical results, this paper puts forward the following suggestions: First, it is necessary to create more voluntourism routes suitable for college students. Second, it is essential to increase the marketing and promotion of voluntourism activities in economic and tourism developed areas.Last, there is a need to innovate the connotation and form of the voluntourism.

Collaboration and Destination Marketing: Creating Film-Induced Tourism

Increased attention to film tourism processes has driven the need for research on its relevance to destination marketing. Film tourism involves different actors with various interests, often making collaboration challenging. This study aims to understand how film tourism can succeed within complex processes involving multiple actors by using in-depth semistructured interviews. Using actor-network theory and emphasizing the relational network in the case study of film location bus tours, it shows that human and nonhuman actors, the tourism and film industries, film commissions, advertising agencies, residents, tourists, ports, and buses interact to create film tourism. This study shows that film tourism networks that were formed successfully are disbanded because of the changing relations between human and nonhuman actors in film tourism. The analysis reveals that power lies in the network created by collaboration among all actors, and the future of film tourism development relies on how heterogeneity is processed. It critically examines the binary of host and guest in tourism and attempts to transcend it constructively. Theoretically, it extends the context of how different actors’ interests are effectively processed. This study contributes toward enhancing sustainable tourism by reflecting the nature unique to the region, integrating with films shot in a destination to revitalize the regional economy.

Spatial structure and influencing factors of an emerging wine tourism network: a case study of the Ningxia wine region

PurposeNetworks linking tourist attractions or organizations are a major focus of tourism research. Despite extensive research on tourism networks, academic research on the spatial structure and formation of wine tourism networks is limited. This study aims to investigate the spatial structure and factors influencing the development of a network among Ningxia wineries, an emerging wine tourism destination in China.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses social network analysis to uncover “what” the spatial structure of wine tourism networks looks like. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted among key stakeholders to explain the “why” of such structural characteristics.FindingsThe results show that in an emerging wine tourism destination, popular tourist attractions enjoy high centrality and hold key positions in the wine tourism network. Small wineries exhibit high closeness centrality, and only one winery serves as a network broker. According to the stakeholders, the importance of network actors will increase as their economic and political importance increase, while small wineries that lack differentiation in the network may perish.Practical implicationsLocal governments can implement the suggested measures for improving network connections, and wineries are advised to find suitable positions to improve the experiences of tourists.Originality/valueThis study pioneers the identification of the distinct structure and factors influencing the network of an emerging wine tourism destination, thus enriching the understanding of the interplay and roles of different actors.

Evaluation of the Development Level of Integration of Culture and Tourism in China’s Provinces under the Perspective of Spatial Interaction and Study of Influence Paths

In the new stage of the deep integration of culture and tourism, fully exploring its mechanism of action, spatial connection, and path of influence will be of great significance to the sustainable development of the integration of culture and tourism. In this paper, we analysed the mechanism of integration of culture and tourism with the help of systems theory, introduced the concept of spatial interaction to construct a new measurement model of integration of culture and tourism, and conducted empirical analyses with Chinese provinces as the target. We found that in the last decade, the tourism industry has been dominant, and most of the industrial elements have been clustered towards it. The centre of the spatial interaction network of culture and tourism is located in the area of the “North China Plain—Middle and Lower Yangtze River Plain” and moves towards the southwest over time. The northwestern and northeastern zones have become “desert zones” in the spatial interaction network of culture and tourism. The level of integration of culture and tourism peaked in 2018, with East China having a chronically higher level of integration. In addition, the deep integration of culture and tourism can be promoted through the combination of new development philosophies.

Correction: Hou, X. Tourism Network Attention Variation of Chinese Cities under the COVID-19 Pandemic. Sustainability 2022, 14, 5131

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]

Social networking, environmental awareness and sustainable tourism development in Da Nang, Vietnam

Networking facilitates stakeholder collaboration and partnerships and a richer understanding between stakeholders, benefiting the achievement of sustainable tourism development. This research examines how a network contributes to the success of a shared goal related to environmental sustainability at a local destination. A case study based on social network theory is conducted in Da Nang City – a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam. This research reveals a network of various tourism stakeholders in Da Nang working to protect the natural environment throughout the city. The networking properties are conceptualised, including actors and activities like approaching, connecting, sharing, and coordinating. These interactions create linkages and platforms for information flow and environmental messages travelling from initial actors to a broader set of actors, which encourages community involvement in environmental activities, more environmentally friendly behaviour, and an emotional bond with the destination. With these findings, this research has made a crucial contribution to tourism network research by exploring how stakeholders build sustainability awareness and place attachment through social networking. The study has practical implications regarding the use of networking to facilitate stakeholder involvement in sustainable tourism development.

Detecting potential cooperative network for tourist attractions in a destination using search data.

This study addresses the critical need for regional tourism integration and sustainable development by identifying cooperation opportunities among tourist attractions within a region. We introduce a novel methodology that combines association rule mining with complex network analysis and utilizes search index data as a dynamic and contemporary data source to reveal cooperative patterns among tourist attractions. Our approach delineates a potential cooperative network within the destination ecosystem, categorizing tourist attractions into three distinct communities: core, intermediary, and periphery. These communities correspond to high, medium, and low tourist demand scales, respectively. The study uncovers a self-organizing network structure, driven by congruences in internal tourist demand and variances in external tourist experiences. Functionally, there is a directed continuum of cooperation prospects among these communities. The core community, characterized by significant tourist demand, acts as a catalyst, boosting demand for other attractions. The intermediary community, central in the network, links the core and periphery, enhancing cooperative ties and influence. Peripheral attractions, representing latent growth areas within the destination matrix, benefit from associations with the core and intermediary communities. Our findings provide vital insights into the dynamics, systemic characteristics, and fundamental mechanisms of potential cooperation networks among tourist attractions. They enable tourism management organizations to employ our analytical framework for real-time monitoring of tourism demand and flow trends. Additionally, the study guides the macro-control of tourism flows based on the tourism network, thereby improving the tourist experience and promoting coordinated development among inter-regional tourist attractions.

RETRACTION: Design and Management of Control System for Rural Tourism Network Information Based on MVC Model

RETRACTION: Design and Management of Control System for Rural Tourism Network Information Based on MVC Model

Study on the Strategy of Red Literature and Tourism Brand Communication Helping Study Tourism Economic Development in Liaoning Province under the Background of Internet

Abstract Liaoning Province has a deep red cultural background and rich red tourism resources, and has an enormous potential for the development of red study tour. This paper establishes the evaluation system of the competitiveness of study tour development in Liaoning Province based on the explanatory structural model, solves the index weights through the coefficient of variation method, and gives the calculation of the competitiveness of study tour economic development. The regional differences in the competitiveness of research and study tourism economic development were measured by using the Thiel index, the spatial autocorrelation Moran index verified the regional correlation, and the TF-IDF algorithm was introduced to improve the LDA theme model thereby analyzing the emotional expression of the research and study tourism network text. Taking the tourism data of Liaoning Province from 2015 to 2019 as the research object, the data were quantitatively analyzed regarding development competitiveness evaluation, regional differences, spatial autocorrelation and emotional expression. The results of the study found that the weight of the red culture tourism market size in the economic development competitiveness of study tourism reached 29.64%, the peak and valley values of the regional differences in competitiveness from 2015 to 2019 differed by 0.0587, and significant differences were presented at the 1% level between cities. The frequency of red characteristic words reached 2,536 times. This indicates that the effective integration of red culture and study tourism in Liaoning Province effectively reduces the development differences between cities, and enhances the satisfaction of study students with red culture study tourism bases.

Integrating tourism supply-demand and environmental sensitivity into the tourism network identification of ecological functional zone

One of the challenges facing ecological functional zones (EFZs) is achieving a balance between economic growth and environmental protection (management). Tourism presents an important avenue to tackle this challenge. However, research inadequately addresses the identification of tourism networks. Combining geo-referenced social media data analysis, the three-step floating catchment area method, and the minimum cumulative resistance model, this paper developed a multi-tiered mechanism for identifying tourism networks using scenic spots as nodes. This approach involved indicators like tourism potential (supply), tourists’ emotional appeal (demand), and ecological sensitivity. We employed the Taihang Mountains (THM), a representative EFZ, as an application case. Results indicate spatial heterogeneity in THM’s tourism potential, with higher tourism potential and relatively greater ecological sensitivity in the South and East THM. Furthermore, a substantial spatial mismatch in tourism demand and supply is evident, with South THM leading with a match of 0.29, while East THM recording the lowest match at 0.16. Based on this, this study identified a multi-level tourism development network having 34 tourism sources (9 primary sources, 13 secondary sources and 12 tertiary sources) and 51 corridors (11 primary corridors, 21 secondary corridors, and 19 tertiary corridors) consisted of a total length of 5,263 km, with an average length of 67 km. Our tourism networks have been tested to not only protect ecologically sensitive areas but also connect areas with economic advantages in tourism (i.e., South and East THM), which is conducive to achieving mutual benefits between tourism development and environmental protection. Our findings are conducive to improving the efficiency of tourism planning and management and provide a new path for coordinating EFZs’ conservation and development.