How Are Digitalization and Ecologization Linked in Tourism? Evidence From Prefecture-Level Cities in Fujian Province, China

Tourism industry digitalization may support sustainable tourism, but its ecological benefits are not automatic. Using panel data for nine prefecture-level cities in Fujian Province from 2014 to 2023, this study constructs tourism industry digitalization (DTI) and ecologization (ETI) indices and examines their spatiotemporal evolution, adaptation levels, and potential indirect channels. Both indices increased overall, yet coastal cities exhibited higher DTI and mountainous cities higher ETI, indicating uneven alignment. A two-way fixed effects model identifies a significant positive association between DTI and ETI. Mediation analysis reveals positive indirect associations through industrial structure upgrading and technological innovation and a negative indirect association through energy intensity. Indirect associations through human capital and consumption structure are statistically insignificant. These findings clarify digital-ecological alignment and candidate indirect channels within a regional tourism system, informing policies tailored to local digital foundations and ecological endowments.