Background/Objectives: This study investigates the interaction and coordinated development of the digital economy and the tourism economy in China’s Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, using panel data from 27 cities covering the period from 2013 to 2022. Methods: Composite indices are constructed for the two subsystems, with indicator weights determined using the entropy method. A coupling coordination model is then applied to assess the extent and quality of their joint development. Exploratory spatial data analysis is further employed to examine spatial dependence and clustering patterns, with Moran’s I serving as a key analytical measure. Results: The findings indicate that both subsystems improved over the study period, although the digital economy advanced more quickly and showed greater regional disparity. The overall coordination level rose from a medium stage to a relatively high stage, yet uneven development persisted, particularly in Anhui. Spatially, coordination followed an east-high, west-low pattern, and high-level areas gradually spread outward from leading cities to form a core–periphery structure. Positive spatial clustering was evident in most years, pointing to clear regional agglomeration in digital–tourism coordination. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of differentiated regional policies, stronger inter-city collaboration, and deeper integration between digital development and tourism transformation.
Yao et al. (Tue,) studied this question.