Spatial Patterns and Influencing Factors of Rural Tourism Demonstration and Potential Villages in Arid Region of Northwest China

Exploring the spatial patterns and associated mechanisms of Rural Tourism Demonstration Villages (RTDVs) and Potential Rural Tourism Villages (PRTVs) is crucial for rural tourism planning and regional coordination. This study focuses on the arid region of Northwest China. Based on national and provincial official directories, it selects villages listed under tourism-oriented categories as RTDVs, while designating other villages categorized for their ecological, cultural, and agricultural characteristics as PRTVs. Multiple geospatial analyses were conducted to identify spatial distribution characteristics and differences between RTDVs and PRTVs, while the optimal-parameter geographical detector model quantified the influences and interactions of natural, socioeconomic, locational, and cultural–tourism factors. Results show that rural tourism is concentrated in the Ili River Valley, the mid-Hexi Corridor, and the Urumqi–Turpan area. RTDVs follow this pattern but display stronger hierarchical differentiation. Cultural Potential Rural Tourism Villages (C-PRTVs) cluster in multi-ethnic areas. Ecological Potential Rural Tourism Villages (E-PRTVs) occur mainly in mountain oases, and agricultural Potential Rural Tourism Villages (A-PRTVs) agglomerate near provincial capitals and major transport corridors. Overall, influencing factors exhibit interactive enhancement, suggesting that spatial patterns are associated with multidimensional synergy. The findings provide empirical support for differentiated planning and sustainable development in arid regions.