Cluster Analysis of the Development Levels of Tourism Economy in Twelve Provinces (Cities) in China’s Western Regions

Abstract

In face of the economic "new normal", the western regions must adhere to the concept of "green development" and give great impetus to regional ecotourism, which is an important way for boosting healthy and rapid growth of regional economy. In this paper, the cluster analysis method is used and 16 indicators in four categories established to classify and analyze the current development conditions of tourism economy in twelve provinces (cities) in China's western regions. These twelve provinces (cities) are classified into the regions where the development of tourism economy is mature, stable and at the exploratory stage, respectively. Major factors that affect the development of regional tourism economy are presented and analyzed, and suggestions are offered for the development of tourism economy in these three classes of regions.