Enhancing Tourism Economic Growth through Provincial Tourism Innovation: An Empirical Study Based on Patent Authorisations Across 30 Chinese Provinces (2010–2022)

JiaoLong   Ruan; Theeralak  Satjawathee; Thatphong  Awirothananon

Authors

JiaoLong Ruan Interdisciplinary Studies College , Payap University
Theeralak Satjawathee Interdisciplinary Studies College , Payap University
Thatphong Awirothananon Faculty of Business Administration, Maejo University

Keywords:

Tourism innovation level, tourism patent authorization, tourism economic growth, regional differences, tourism industry structure

Abstract

Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2022, this study quantifies the level of tourism innovation in each province using the number of patent authorisations. It then empirically analyses the mechanisms by which tourism innovation promotes tourism economic growth and its regional heterogeneity. The study finds that tourism innovation has a significant positive impact on tourism economic growth, and that economic development positively moderates this relationship. The impact of tourism industry structure on economic growth varies across regions: the eastern region has the most significant impact, followed by the central region, and the western region is relatively weak. Furthermore, the tourism industry's efficiency partially mediates the relationship between innovation and economic growth. Based on these findings, this paper proposes policy recommendations, including strengthening investment in tourism innovation, implementing differentiated regional policies, optimising industrial structure, improving tourism infrastructure, and establishing a monitoring mechanism, to promote high-quality development of the regional tourism economy and enhance regional sustainable development resilience.

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