The spatial evolution pattern of inbound tourism in China and its impact factors

Abstract

The spatial evolution pattern of inbound tourism in China and its impact factors was studied over several years (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014). First, based on GIS descriptions, the spatial evolution and distribution of inbound tourism were explored. Lagrange multiplier test and the Akaike and Schwarz information criteria were then used to select the appropriate spatial econometric models for different years. The results indicated that the gap between local spatial autocorrelations was huge. The degree of openness, regional economic level, tourism resource endowment, and transportation had obvious effects on inbound tourism.

Subject Classification:

• MSC2010
• 91C99

Keywords:

• Foreign inbound tourists
• Spatial econometric model
• Spatial evolution pattern