Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access

Abstract

Mini Review on the Evolution and Driving Factors of the Coupling Relationship between Tourism Industry, Urbanization and Human Living Environment in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration

Ailiang Xie*, Fauziah Che Leh and Norimah Rambeli

This study draws on the research published in PLoS One titled Mini Review on the Evolution and Driving Factors of the Coupling Relationship between Tourism Industry, Urbanization and Human Living Environment in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration. It systematically examines the interaction between tourism, urbanization and human living environments within the urban agglomerations of the Yangtze River's middle reaches. Utilizing quantitative methods such as the entropy method, coupling coordination degree model, coefficient of variation, Taylor index and geographic detector model, the study investigates the evolution and driving factors of these relationships from 2005 to 2019. The findings reveal that the coupling coordination level in this region has steadily improved, though the rate of growth has slowed over time. Additionally, regional disparities have gradually diminished. Tourism resource endowment emerges as the primary driver of this coupling relationship, while factors such as tourism economic benefits, social urbanization, spatial urbanization and advancements in science, education, culture and health have increasingly influenced the system. These results underscore the need for governments to adopt tailored regional development policies that foster the coordinated growth of tourism, urbanization and human living environments, ultimately supporting sustainable regional development. Future study should focus on exploring the coupling mechanisms, conducting multi-scale analyses, developing dynamic simulations and engaging in international comparisons to provide a more robust foundation for policymaking.

Published Date: 2026-07-24; Received Date: 2024-12-26