Investigation of West Lake Ecotourism Capabilities Using SWOT and TOPSIS Decision-Making Methods

Yihao Zhu, Chou Chen, Guodao Zhang, Zimin Lin (), Sarita Gajbhiye Meshram and Ehsan Alvandi
Additional contact information
Yihao Zhu: School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
Chou Chen: Department of Public Education, Wenzhou University of Technology, Wenzhou 325000, China
Guodao Zhang: Department of Digital Media Technology, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Zimin Lin: Department of Planning and Finance, Zhejiang College of Security Technology, Wenzhou 325000, China
Sarita Gajbhiye Meshram: WRAM Research Lab Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur 440027, Maharashtra, India
Ehsan Alvandi: Department of Watershed Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan 49189-43464, Iran

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: Using SWOT and TOPSIS models, this study aimed to determine West Lake’s potential as a tourist destination. In terms of study methodology, the current research is a descriptive survey. The TOPSIS method was used to rank strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities, and preferred strategies after the SWOT analysis was completed. Using a questionnaire and the Delphi method, 30 regional specialists provided research data which was collected and analyzed. Thirteen internal elements and twelve external factors affecting the West Lake tourism were identified and evaluated. Additionally, fifteen strategies were presented to improve the lake’s tourism. On the basis of the matrix of internal–external components in the SWOT model, an aggressive approach was determined to be the optimal strategic stance for West Lake. The results of the TOPSIS technique also revealed that internal strengths have a bigger impact than other elements; hence, aggressive strategies are emphasized for the growth of ecotourism in this region. Based on the results of the TOPSIS technique, the “optimal utilization of the lake’s natural, cultural, and historical potential and attractions in order to develop and attract tourists and generate jobs and revenues“ and “formulation of strategic plans to maximize potential and opportunities in order to attract tourists in all seasons of the year“ strategies were identified as the most important strategies for enhancing the West Lake tourism scenario. Therefore, it is hoped that the relevant authorities would contribute to the expansion and enhancement of the region’s economy through a focus on the vision and goals of the tourist sector and careful foresight in the implementation of these projects.

Keywords: tourism industry; SWOT method; TOPSIS method; West Lake; Hangzhou City (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/3/2464/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/3/2464/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:2464-:d:1051562

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().