Exploring the Influence of Tourism Network Attention on the Development of Tourism in the Yangtze River Delta: A Spatial Analysis

This study incorporates both positive and negative tourism network attention into a comprehensive framework to examine their distinct effects on tourism development in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). In particular, this study uses a spatial econometric model to accurately examine the relationship between positive and negative tourism network attention and regional tourism development, including the impact of tourism network attention on local and neighboring areas. In addition, the framework also uses fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the path combination of network attention and other factors that affect varied stages of tourism development in each city of the YRD, and expounds its driving mechanism. Research findings reveal: (1) Positive tourism network attention has a “U-shaped” influence on regional tourism development. (2) Positive tourism network attention significantly promotes tourism development of both local and neighboring areas, while negative tourism network attention both hinders local tourism development and adversely affects neighboring areas via spillover effects. (3) Multiple paths for tourism development exist in the region, including four modes: Demand-facility driven, demand-resource-facility-transportation driven, word of mouth-transportation driven, and traffic-resource driven. Using the YRD as a case study, this research offers empirical evidence and theoretical insights into how positive and negative tourism network attention influence tourism development in the region.