Balancing Growth and Preservation: Strategic Pathways for Sustainable Rural Tourism in China’s Environmental Landscape

Chenchen Han (), Hongmei Zhang and Yechen Zhang
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Chenchen Han: School of Economics and Management, Bozhou University, Bozhou 236800, China
Hongmei Zhang: College of Tourism, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200000, China
Yechen Zhang: College of Tourism and Exhibition, Hefei University, Hefei 230000, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-31

Abstract: Sustainable rural tourism development is paramount for the socio-economic advancement of rural regions in China. This study systematically prioritizes the key drivers essential for the successful implementation of sustainable rural tourism development by employing the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis methodologies. Through an extensive literature review and expert consultations, we identify and categorize the critical drivers influencing sustainable rural tourism. Utilizing the ISM approach, we construct a hierarchical structure to elucidate the interrelationships among these drivers. Following this, MICMAC analysis is applied to assess their driving and dependence power. We find that government policy and support is the most powerful driver forming the basis for sustainable rural tourism development. Moreover, our findings uncover a complex network of interdependencies, with several drivers emerging as crucial for effective implementation. This research provides invaluable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners, offering a robust framework to inform strategic decision-making in fostering sustainable rural tourism development in China.

Keywords: rural tourism development; sustainable tourism; drivers; ISM-MICMAC analysis; environmental sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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