Impact of smart tourism city development on economic growth and employment: evidence from China’s smart tourism policy

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of the National Smart Tourism Pilot City Policy (NSTPCP) on per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and employment rates in China, elucidating the significance and mechanisms underlying the construction of smart tourism cities. Design/methodology/approach Using a staggered difference-in-differences model, this research analyzes city-level data from 2000 to 2019 in China within a quasi-natural experiment framework. Findings The results indicate that the NSTPCP significantly enhances per capita GDP and employment rates, with these findings corroborated by robustness tests. The effects of the policy are particularly pronounced in the eastern and central regions, whereas the western region exhibits no significant impact. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the policy promotes economic stability and employment growth through the long-term expansion of openness and technological advancement, rather than through improvements in marketization. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide long-term empirical evidence regarding the effects of the NSTPCP on economic development and employment growth across the entire country. These insights suggest that global destinations should prioritize the development of smart tourism cities and implement sustainable, long-term strategies to mitigate economic downturns and address employment challenges.