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Nonlinear impact of World Heritage Sites on China’s tourism expansion

Author

Listed:
  • Yu-Xia Lin

    (12466Xiamen University, China)

  • Ming-Hsiang Chen

    (Beijing Sport University, China; 33912Washington State University, USA; Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, China)

  • Bi-Shu Lin

    (12466Xiamen University, China)

  • Shu-Yin Tseng

    (63318Yu Da University of Science and Technology, China)

  • Ching-Hui (Joan) Su

    (1177Iowa State University, USA)

Abstract

Using domestic tourism data (1999–2014) and inbound tourism data (1999–2016), this research applies linear and nonlinear models to investigate the impact of World Heritage Sites (WHS) on inbound and domestic tourism expansion (TE) in terms of tourist arrivals and tourism receipts and then tests whether or not the impact of WHS on TE is instant. The results show a notable influence of WHS on tourist arrivals and tourism receipts and identify several differences between the impacts of WHS on inbound and on domestic TE. Moreover, the relationship between WHS and TE exhibits an inverted U-shaped curve. The optimal number of WHS for TE is four, and there is a significant instantaneous effect of WHS on domestic TE. Differently, the impact of WHS on inbound tourism shows a 1-year lag. Lastly, we perform dynamic regressions as a robustness check and discussion and implications are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu-Xia Lin & Ming-Hsiang Chen & Bi-Shu Lin & Shu-Yin Tseng & Ching-Hui (Joan) Su, 2021. "Nonlinear impact of World Heritage Sites on China’s tourism expansion," Tourism Economics, , vol. 27(4), pages 795-819, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:toueco:v:27:y:2021:i:4:p:795-819
    DOI: 10.1177/1354816620904886
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Md. Karimul Islam & Fariha Farjana & Nishad Nasrin & Md. Shakil Ahmed, 2023. "The economic, social and environmental implications of heritage tourism: evidence from Bangladesh," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 3(2), pages 1-21, February.
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