Reassessing and updating the air quality-tourism connection

Bibliographic Data

ID21689335
AuthorsWei-Wei Qiu (Nanning Normal University), Weiwei Qiu (0000-0002-7789-3324, Nanning Normal University), Di Zhu (0000-0002-3237-6032, Washington State University), Ming-Hsiang Chen (0000-0001-6048-018X, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, China; Washington State University, corresponding author), Jingrong Sun (Nanjing Xiaozhuang University)
Year2026
Volume32
Issue2
Pages463-472
Publication date2026-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTourism Economics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1354-8166 • E-ISSN: 2044-0375
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/13548166251314911
OpenAlexW4406623474
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited10

With recent improvements in air quality in China, it is crucial to revisit the relationship between air quality and tourism. This study expands on Wang and Chen (2021) by using a larger dataset of 100 major tourist cities over a longer timeframe (2004–2019). The nonlinear dynamic panel regression results confirm the existence of an inverted U-shaped effect. However, unlike the previous study, linear dynamic panel regression results indicate that air quality improvements now have a positive impact on domestic tourism, highlighting the success of China’s recent air quality policies. Despite these gains, air quality continues to negatively affect inbound tourism, suggesting it has yet to reach levels deemed acceptable by international visitors. These findings provide valuable insights for shaping tourism policy and strategic planning

Business · Economics · Geography · Tourism · Cruise Tourism Development and Management · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Energy, Environment, Economic Growth · Engineering

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