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Evaluation of Sustainable Development of Tourism Cities Based on SDGs and Tourism Competitiveness Index: Analysis of 221 Prefecture-Level Cities in China

Author

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  • Junli Gao

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
    Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy, Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China)

  • Chaofeng Shao

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Sihan Chen

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Zizhang Wei

    (Environmental Engineering Assessment Center, Tianjin Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Tianjin 300350, China)

Abstract

Based on the Sustainable Development Goals and competitiveness index, an evaluation index system for sustainable development of tourism cities was established. The sustainable development level of 221 outstanding tourism cities in 2018 was evaluated, and their sustainable development paths were designed accordingly. The results show the following: (1) There is a large gap in sustainable development scores. In general, no city has achieved a strong sustainable development model. Natural and cultural resources and protection systems are the shortcomings of the systems. (2) The weights of natural and cultural resources and protection systems are the largest, and the weights of natural and cultural resources endowment, degree of tourism infrastructure construction, and economic support for natural and cultural resources are larger. Nature reserve coverage index, network popularity, and other indicators have greater weight. (3) There is a gap in the sustainable development level of tourism cities in the eight comprehensive economic zones. The economic zones in the eastern and southern coastal areas are better than those in the northwest and the middle reaches of the Yellow River. (4) The driving factors of the eight types of tourism cities distinguished by their characteristics are basically the same, but the obstacles are different.

Suggested Citation

  • Junli Gao & Chaofeng Shao & Sihan Chen & Zizhang Wei, 2021. "Evaluation of Sustainable Development of Tourism Cities Based on SDGs and Tourism Competitiveness Index: Analysis of 221 Prefecture-Level Cities in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:22:p:12338-:d:674900
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Rong He & Xintong Huang & Xiaoying Ye & Zhe Pan & Heng Wang & Bin Luo & Dongmei Liu & Xinxin Hu, 2022. "County Ecosystem Health Assessment Based on the VORS Model: A Case Study of 183 Counties in Sichuan Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-17, September.
    5. Meryem Elif Çelebi Karakök & Şebnem Ertaş Beşir, 2023. "Usage Strategies to Increase the Socioeconomic Sustainability of Monumental Structures: The Example of the Hacı Ali Ağa Bath," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-25, May.
    6. Junli Gao & Chaofeng Shao & Sihan Chen, 2022. "Evolution and Driving Factors of the Spatiotemporal Pattern of Tourism Efficiency at the Provincial Level in China Based on SBM–DEA Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-17, August.
    7. Andrei-Florin Băbăț & Mirela Mazilu & Amalia Niță & Ionuț-Adrian Drăguleasa & Mihaela Grigore, 2023. "Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index: From Theoretical Definition to Practical Analysis in Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-26, June.

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