Low-Carbon Transformation of Tourism in Characteristic Towns Under the Carbon Neutral Goal: A Three-Dimensional Mechanism Analysis of Tourists, Residents, and Enterprises

Shujuan Wan, Liang Liu, Guangyao Chen, Pengtao Wang, Yafei Lan () and Maomao Zhang ()
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Shujuan Wan: Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macau, Macau, China
Liang Liu: Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macau, Macau, China
Guangyao Chen: Business Department, Semyung University, Jecheon 27136, Republic of Korea
Pengtao Wang: School of Tourism, Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an 710128, China
Yafei Lan: Business Department, Semyung University, Jecheon 27136, Republic of Korea
Maomao Zhang: College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430079, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-28

Abstract: In response to the global goal of carbon neutrality, the tourism industry faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions. Characteristic towns that rely on traditional, high-emission models urgently require low-carbon tourism transformation strategies to meet environmental targets while preserving cultural heritage and economic vitality. This study investigates the low-carbon transition pathways of tourism in characteristic towns, using the three-dimensional impact mechanism of tourists, residents, and enterprises as a conceptual entry point. Drawing on empirical research conducted in Zhouzhuang and Tongli—two ancient towns in Suzhou—the study identifies key drivers and barriers to the development of low-carbon tourism. Results indicate that the overall low-carbon transformation score for Suzhou’s characteristic towns is 63.3, suggesting a moderate level of progress. Specifically, Zhouzhuang scored 66.9, while Tongli lagged behind at 57.6, highlighting notable disparities in transition efforts. The study applies multi-agent game theory and system dynamics to analyze the interactive mechanisms among tourists, residents, and enterprises in the low-carbon transition. Our findings reveal that tourists’ low-carbon consumption behaviors, residents’ environmental awareness, and enterprises’ green investments significantly influence the transition process. Further analysis using a chain mediation model shows that policy support positively affects low-carbon outcomes by promoting enterprise investment and influencing resident behavior. The study’s innovation lies in its development of an integrated analytical framework that captures the dynamic interplay among multiple stakeholders, offering a comprehensive perspective on low-carbon tourism transformation in characteristic towns. This study contributes to the sustainable tourism literature and provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners working toward carbon neutrality in tourism destinations.

Keywords: carbon neutrality; characteristic town; low-carbon tourism; low-carbon transformation path; tourists–residents–enterprises (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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