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Can tourism help to revive shrinking cities? An examination of Chinese case

Author

Listed:
  • Taotao Deng

    (12634Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China)

  • Shuai Liu

    (12634Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China)

  • Yukun Hu

    (12634Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China)

Abstract

Urban shrinkage has become a global phenomenon. Although China is still experiencing rapid urbanization, population losses arise in an increasing number of cities. As a booming industry, tourism is expected as a mean to create jobs and curb population loss. Can tourism industry contribute to revive the shrinking cities? Based on panel data of 54 shrinking cities in China, this article explores effects of tourism development on shrinking cities. The results show that there is no evidence that tourism has a significant impact on the population of the shrinking cities. However, tourism shows positive effects on these cities in terms of many aspects, including urban economy, employment, investment, and consumption. This indicates that tourism can revive shrinking cities by economic boom, rather than population growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Taotao Deng & Shuai Liu & Yukun Hu, 2022. "Can tourism help to revive shrinking cities? An examination of Chinese case," Tourism Economics, , vol. 28(6), pages 1683-1691, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:toueco:v:28:y:2022:i:6:p:1683-1691
    DOI: 10.1177/13548166211002295
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yan Xu & Eunjung Yang, 2025. "Can tourism expenditure mitigate regional depopulation crises?," Tourism Economics, , vol. 31(8), pages 1762-1770, December.
    2. Xiaoting Lv & Ziang Wu & Yuan Sui, 2025. "RETRACTED ARTICLE: Understanding the Dynamics of Urban Shrinkage and the Impact on Innovation in China: A Comprehensive Analysis," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(2), pages 6281-6314, June.

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