The Impact of Digital Technology on Tourism Economic Growth: Empirical Analysis Based on Provincial Panel Data, 2010–2022

Jiaolong Ruan (), Theeralak Satjawathee and Thatphong Awirothananon
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Jiaolong Ruan: Interdisciplinary Studies College, Payap University, Chiangmai 50000, Thailand
Theeralak Satjawathee: Interdisciplinary Studies College, Payap University, Chiangmai 50000, Thailand
Thatphong Awirothananon: Faculty of Business Administration, Maejo University, Chiangmai 50290, Thailand

Tourism and Hospitality, 2025, vol. 6, issue 2, 1-27

Abstract: Through empirical analysis, this paper uses panel data from 30 provinces in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as Tibet) from 2010 to 2022 to explore in-depth and empirically test the relationship between the impact of digitalization technology on tourism economic growth and the intrinsic mechanism of its action. The results found that: first, digital technology has a significant impact on tourism economic growth, and second, digital technology has a significant impact on tourism economic growth. Significant promotional utility and, secondly, tourism industry efficiency, play a partial mediating role in the relationship between digital technology and tourism economic growth, i.e., digital technology can promote tourism economic growth by positively affecting tourism industry efficiency. This paper also reveals the role of digital technology in promoting the efficient development of the tourism industry, including the optimal allocation of resources and the improvement of service efficiency, which in turn promotes the innovative development of the tourism economy. Finally, in response to the challenges posed by digital transformation, suggestions are made to strengthen regulation and standardize the market order to ensure the sustainable and high-quality development of the tourism industry.

Keywords: digital technologies; tourism economy; tourism industry efficiency; tourism development; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Z3 Z30 Z31 Z32 Z33 Z38 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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