Heritage tourism destinations: the dual-helix driving mechanism of emotional energy and symbolic capital

Purpose Tourism symbiosis is a social phenomenon shaped by multiple complex factors, and reciprocal cooperation among diverse stakeholders in heritage tourism destinations is crucial for sustainable tourism development. This study seeks to construct a theoretical framework for multi-stakeholder symbiotic systems in heritage tourism and to propose a dual-helix mechanism driven by emotional energy and symbolic capital. It aims to uncover the evolutionary pathways and structural features of such systems. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on Interaction Ritual Chain theory, this study develops a theoretical framework for multi-stakeholder symbiosis in heritage tourism and introduces a dual-helix mechanism driven by emotional energy and symbolic capital. Using cases from typical heritage destinations, it employs structural equation modelling and complex network analysis to explore the relationships and pathways linking emotional energy, symbolic capital and synergistic symbiosis. Findings By enhancing participants’ identification and satisfaction with cooperative modes, emotional energy contributes to the stable functioning of the symbiotic system. Symbolic capital mediates the effect of emotional energy on the symbiosis model. Conversion efficiency, dissemination power and legitimacy channel influence respectively through economic, information and power networks, thereby reinforcing the cyclic transformation of emotions and resources within the system. Under the dual-helix driving mechanism, the symbiotic system demonstrates dynamic evolutionary characteristics of positive cycles and negative disruptions. Various symbiosis models emerge accordingly, reflecting an internal transformation pattern from “mechanical coexistence” to “organic symbiosis”. Originality/value The study deepens the understanding of the collaborative mechanisms and symbiotic models among multiple stakeholders in heritage tourism destinations, providing both theoretical and practical support for heritage site governance and sustainable development.