Measurement of ecological carrying capacity of sports tourism from the perspective of "carrier-load" integration

Accurate measurement of the ecological carrying capacity of sports tourism is the core point to achieve sustainable development of sports tourism, maintain ecological balance and improve the quality of tourist experience. This study investigates the ecological carrying capacity of sports tourism in Rizhao City, China, using a "carrier-load" integration perspective and a multi-scale spatiotemporal approach. The research divides Rizhao City into two distinct regions: the Mountainous Hills Sports Tourism Region (MSTR) and the Coastal Plains Sports Tourism Region (CSTR). By analyzing 16 key indicators, including vegetation cover, water conservation, sports tourism revenue, and carbon footprint, the study evaluates the dynamic interplay between ecological carriers (natural resources) and tourism loads (human activities). The results reveal significant spatial and temporal variations in Ecological Carrying Capacity of Sports Tourism (STECC). The MSTR exhibits a stable STECC index around 1.6, indicating strong ecological resilience but with signs of slight overloading during peak seasons. In contrast, the CSTR shows a higher STECC index ranging from 2.6 to 2.94, reflecting severe ecological overloading due to intense coastal tourism activities, particularly in summer. The study highlights the critical need for targeted ecological protection measures in the CSTR, such as controlling tourist numbers and enhancing ecological restoration, while leveraging the MSTR's potential to alleviate pressure on the coastal region. These findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable sports tourism development, emphasizing the importance of balancing ecological preservation with tourism growth. The research contributes to the theoretical framework of STECC assessment and offers practical insights for regional tourism planning and ecological management.