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Innovative application of total quality management in sustainable tourism development: framework development and empirical analysis

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  • Xiangdong Kong

    (College of Management Science, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Haijun Wang

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Yijun Chen

    (College of Management Science, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Ji Luo

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Tianhui Xie

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Minghong Peng

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Maobin Ding

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Xinlong Li

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

  • Hu Li

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering)

Abstract

Most existing studies on sustainable tourism development (STD) focus on resource protection, with limited progress in management methods, particularly in evaluation and measurement systems. This study integrates literature reviews, interviews, and survey data to establish logical hypotheses between total quality management (TQM) and STD. A TQM-STD scale was developed and empirically tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The key findings are as follows: (1) A five-dimensional scale (Full participation-FP, Whole participation management-WPM, Comprehensive management-CM, Overall perception-OP, Tourism benefits-TB) with 30 items was constructed, demonstrating strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha >0.8), validity (validity >0.7, average variance extracted >0.5, composite reliability >0.7), and broad applicability. (2) An SEM model was established based on the logical relationships between TQM and STD. The model exhibited a good fit (χ²/df >1.2, incremental fit index >0.9), supporting the proposed hypotheses and confirming the applicability of TQM to STD management at tourist attractions. (3) TQM positively influences STD. At p

Suggested Citation

  • Xiangdong Kong & Haijun Wang & Yijun Chen & Ji Luo & Tianhui Xie & Minghong Peng & Maobin Ding & Xinlong Li & Hu Li, 2025. "Innovative application of total quality management in sustainable tourism development: framework development and empirical analysis," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05139-6
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05139-6
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