Analyzing Tourism Sector's Influence on Sustainable Development, Ecological Sustainability, Profitability, and Employability in China

ABSTRACT China's tourism industry plays a key role in economic growth, employment, ecological sustainability, and public health. This study looks at how international, national, and regional tourism affects profitability, employability, ecological balance, and healthcare outcomes. Data were collected from 217 Chinese respondents using a convenience sampling method. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM) was used because it handles complex models and non‐normal data. Profitability was measured through economic benefits and employment rates, employability through job creation, ecological sustainability through non‐renewable resource use and ecological balance, and healthcare through public health and medical expenses. The findings show that international tourism greatly improves world tourism appeal ( β = 0.851, p < 0.05), national policies strengthen national tourism performance ( β = 0.876, p < 0.01), and regional tourism initiatives boost local economic growth ( β = 0.921, p < 0.01). Sustainable tourism practices positively influence healthcare and environmental outcomes, creating a combined effect on economic performance. These results support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‐being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This study offers insights by measuring the combined effects of tourism, sustainability, healthcare, and cultural values on overall development. It fills gaps in previous research, which focused on economic benefits. The results suggest practical guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders to adopt sustainable tourism strategies that encourage economic growth, protect the environment, and improve public health, providing a model for balanced and resilient development in China.