Can the digital economy improve the competitiveness of tourism industry? A study based on multiple model analysis

This study explores how digital economic development affects tourism industry competitiveness using panel data from 31 Chinese provinces (2011–2020). Using the benchmark regression model, mediation model, threshold model and spatial Durbin model, the study finds that the digital economy significantly enhances the competitiveness of the tourism industry, and that this relationship has a non-linear characteristic, showing a decreasing marginal contribution. Second, information retrieval technology plays a key mediating role in this process. Third, although the digital economy can promote the development of the local tourism industry, it will have a 'siphoning effect' on the neighbouring regions. Finally, digital economy development has a stronger enabling effect in less developed areas of the tourism industry. This study not only provides new theoretical perspectives for understanding tourism industry competitiveness, but also provides empirical evidence for promoting the coordinated development of regional tourism.