Rural destination revitalization in China: applying evolutionary economic geography in tourism governance

ABSTRACT

Tourism is considered a way to mitigate adjustments in the regional industrial structure. Three cases in this study illustrate the importance of initial conditions and how stakeholder collaboration can mitigate these deficiencies. We proposed a new model for rural destinations in different phases, and concluded that by addressing the needs of tourists and providing proper products, path innovation can be advanced. Study results also showed that creating a more inclusive culture advances innovation and the sustainable development of the region. This requires the participation of local communities to jointly advance path innovation.

KEYWORDS:

• Rural destination
• tourism governance
• evolutionary economic geography (EEG)
• rural revitalization
• China

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Study on the evolution and optimization of tourism development pattern in henan province under high-speed railway network: [Grant Number 2018CJJ088]; Research on the development of health industry in Henan province: [Grant Number 182400410492]; Research on path innovation and policy coordination of sustainable development of rural tourism: [Grant Number 18BJY201]; Research on the development of night-time tourism destinations: [Grant Number 202011014].