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Digital Empowerment for High-Quality Development of Silver Tourism: Evidence from Hubei Province, China

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  • Lihui Wu

    (School of Economics and Management, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China
    Research Center for Hubei Market Entity Vitality, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China
    Research Center for Digital Culture and Tourism, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China)

  • Lixia Li

    (School of Economics and Management, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China
    Research Center for Digital Culture and Tourism, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China
    Research Center for Silver Economy, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China)

  • Huali Xia

    (School of Economics and Management, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China
    Research Center for Digital Culture and Tourism, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China)

Abstract

As China experiences rapid population aging, promoting high-quality tourism for older adults has become essential for enhancing elderly well-being, improving inclusive and age-friendly tourism services, supporting culture–tourism integration, and fostering sustainable destination development. Drawing on the global literature on smart tourism, digital inclusion for older adults, and service quality in aging societies, this study investigates how digital empowerment (DE) influences the high-quality development of silver tourism (HDST) in Hubei Province, China. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to survey data from 702 elderly respondents, incorporating cultural tourism integration (CTI), age-friendly service adaptation (ASA), and perception of silver tourists (PST), with family support (FS) and policy support (PS) as key moderating variables. The results indicate that DE significantly promotes HDST through ASA and PST, while FS and PS play important moderating roles. These findings provide practical guidance for tourism practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance age-friendly digital services, improve the tourism experience for older adults, and support the sustainable development of silver tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Lihui Wu & Lixia Li & Huali Xia, 2026. "Digital Empowerment for High-Quality Development of Silver Tourism: Evidence from Hubei Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-31, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:12:p:5957-:d:1964267
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