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Tourism Economic Network Structural Characteristics of National Parks in the Central Region of China

Author

Listed:
  • Kai Wang

    (College of Tourism, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China)

  • Menghan Wang

    (College of Tourism, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China)

  • Chang Gan

    (College of Tourism, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China)

  • Qinchang Chen

    (College of Tourism, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China)

  • Mihai Voda

    (Faculty of Geography, Dimitrie Cantemir University, 540545 Targu Mures, Romania)

Abstract

The social network analysis has been actively applied in various tourist destinations, with a few studies on the tourism economic network structure of national parks. Taking the national parks in the Central Region of China as research objects, this study applies the modified gravity model to measure the strength of tourism economic connection. The social network analysis method (SNA) is used to analyze the network structure of tourism economic connection among national parks from the perspectives of overall network density, network centrality, and cohesive subgroups. The results show that the intensity of the tourism relationships among national parks in Central China is unbalanced in spatial distribution. The structure of tourism economic network presents a multi-core model. Lushan Mountain, Shaoshan, Wudang Mountain, and other national parks play a necessary role in the transmission of regional tourism economic elements. There are cohesive subgroups of connections among national parks, which are closely related to administrative divisions and regional cultural background. The subgroups of interior scenes in the same province are more closely related, and the degree of tourism integration still needs to be improved. The study advances the understanding of tourism economic network relationships among tourist attractions in a destination.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Wang & Menghan Wang & Chang Gan & Qinchang Chen & Mihai Voda, 2021. "Tourism Economic Network Structural Characteristics of National Parks in the Central Region of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:4805-:d:543015
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    2. Yameng Wang & Zhe Chen & Xiumei Wang & Mengyang Hou & Feng Wei, 2021. "Research on the Spatial Network Structure and Influencing Factors of the Allocation Efficiency of Agricultural Science and Technology Resources in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-23, November.
    3. Yue Pan & Zhaolong An & Jianpu Li & Gangmin Weng & Lingyan Li, 2023. "Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Determinants of Tourism Cooperation Network in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, February.
    4. Lázaro Florido-Benítez, 2025. "Theme parks and museums in Asia and the Pacific region boost tourism demand in urban areas," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 1-33, March.

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