Charting Pollution Effects on Tourism: A Regional Analysis

Abstract

This study presents empirical findings highlighting the role of pollution control measures in shaping the trajectory of local tourism market development. Analysis of provincial-level panel data underscores the pronounced impact of water pollution compared to air pollution. While water pollution tends to manifest as a localized issue, air pollution transcends provincial boundaries, posing challenges that extend across multiple regions simultaneously. The results demonstrate how imperative it is for northern China’s heavily polluted provinces to redouble efforts aimed at ameliorating their negative image within the tourism market. In contrast to their southern counterparts, these regions currently face hurdles in attracting tourists, underscoring the disparity in tourism acceptance between northern and southern provinces. Drawing insights from the successful implementation of tourism initiatives centered on the small-town economy in southern China, this research advocates for a paradigm shift in policy formulation for northern provinces. By leveraging lessons learned from southern counterparts, policymakers can chart a course toward sustainable tourism development tailored to the unique characteristics of each region. In delineating the differential impacts of air and water pollution on the Chinese tourism market, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of tourism dynamics across provinces. The findings serve as a foundational framework for guiding future tourism market development strategies tailored to the heterogeneous landscape of Chinese provinces.