A Study on the Coupling and Coordination Between Urban Economic Resilience and High-Quality Development of Tourism in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Studying the coordination between urban economic resilience (ER) and high-quality tourism development (HQTD) is crucial to understanding tourism’s role in responding to economic shifts and driving urban economic transformation. Using 2010–2023 panel data from the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) and a “measurement—evolution—disparity—diagnosis” framework, this study examines their coupling coordination via the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, kernel density estimation, Gini coefficient decomposition, and influence coordination force index, elucidating spatiotemporal evolution, regional disparities, and drivers. The results show: (1) YREB synergies strengthened significantly, with ER and HQTD increasingly reinforcing each other; (2) Eastern coordination levels markedly exceeded central and western ones, reflecting persistent regional imbalances; (3) Coupling coordination converged toward higher levels, with inter-city gaps narrowing. Recommendations include enhancing regional coordination, balancing ecology and economy, fostering industrial innovation, and promoting social participation. This study provides empirical support for integrated, sustainable regional economic-tourism development.