Spatial Network Structure and Influencing Factors of the Urban Tourism Economy in China: An Empirical Study Based on 284 Prefecture-Level Cities

Tourism increasingly reflects living standards, with its economic impact steadily growing. This research employs a modified gravity model and social network analysis to assess tourism-driven economic linkages among 284 Chinese prefecture-level cities (2007–2019). It investigates the spatial network structure of urban tourism sectors and identifies key influencing factors. The findings indicate that tourism economic connections have been consistently strengthened, but such connections’ overall level remains low, with significant intercity disparities, reflecting the “Matthew effect” prevalent in core cities. The interconnected web of urban tourism economies demonstrates strong mutual influence and ripple effects. The network’s structure is strengthening, but its unity could be enhanced. Furthermore, the spatial network is characterized by a “diamond” configuration, with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, the Wuhan area, and the Chengdu-Chongqing regions serving as pivotal axes connected by boundaries, demonstrating an evolution from points to lines and from lines to surfaces. The layout of urban tourism economies is really shaped by a few key things. Being close to other cities, having different attractions, and not being on the same level economically tends to bring cities together. On the flip side, if cities have very different industries, that can actually create some distance between them when it comes to tourism. This study puts forward specific strategies and suggestions.