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Research on the Carbon Footprint of Rural Tourism Based on Life Cycle Assessment: A Case Study of a Village in Guangdong, China

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  • Jiajia Wan

    (School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Pengkai Wang

    (School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Mengqi Wang

    (School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Yi Huang

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Environmental Education Center, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Jiwen Luo

    (School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

In the context of China’s “dual carbon” goals and rural revitalization strategy, scientifically assessing the carbon footprint of rural tourism is essential for promoting the sustainable development of the tourism sector. This study presents the first case analysis of the rural tourism carbon footprint in Guangdong Province, using Village B as a representative example. A tourism carbon footprint model for village B was developed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. Based on empirical survey data, the tourism carbon footprint of Village B in 2024 was estimated at 7731.23 t, with a per capita carbon footprint of 38.656 kg/p/a. Among the contributing sectors, transportation accounted for the largest share (85.18%), followed by catering (6.93%) and accommodation (5.10%). As an ecotourism-oriented rural destination, Village B exhibited a relatively low carbon footprint from recreational activities. To facilitate the low-carbon transition of rural tourism in the study area and accelerate progress toward the “dual carbon” targets, it is recommended to optimize public transport infrastructure, promote green mobility, enhance the energy efficiency of rural dining and accommodation, and raise awareness of low-carbon tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiajia Wan & Pengkai Wang & Mengqi Wang & Yi Huang & Jiwen Luo, 2025. "Research on the Carbon Footprint of Rural Tourism Based on Life Cycle Assessment: A Case Study of a Village in Guangdong, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6495-:d:1702510
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    References listed on IDEAS

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