Decoding the tourism-economy coupling dynamics: self-driving tourism as a catalyst for the socio-ecological system transition of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Self-driving tourism (SDT) has emerged as a critical driver in reconfiguring the high-altitude socio-ecological system (SES). Prevailing studies remain constrained by fragmented analytical approaches that neglect the complex couplings between SDT expansion and high-altitude SES. To address this gap, this study adopts the SES framework and utilizes long-term Tourism Digital Footprint data to investigate the tourism–economy coupling dynamics of SDT and how it drives the SES transition. The results reveal three key findings: (1) The spatial pattern of SDT has evolved from dispersed to linearly concentrated, and finally to a networked distribution. Notably, the core radiation radius of SDT expanded from 2.5 to 5 km, indicating an intensified spatial spillover effect. (2) A co-evolutionary relationship exists between SDT and the regional economy. While SDT exerts a positive causal effect on GDP growth, this driving force is spatially differentiated by altitude gradients and distance decay. (3) The intervention of SDT has triggered a profound SES transformation, manifested physically as the conversion of ecological space to construction land, and socially as livelihood diversification. These findings provide a scientific basis for enhancing SES resilience and adaptive governance.