Touristification process and mechanism of seasonal ecotourism destination: A case study of Sayram Lake in Xinjiang
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Achieving a balance between environmental conservation and tourism development, and addressing the negative effects of seasonal fluctuations are crucial for the high-quality development of ecotourism destinations. Touristification serves as a prevalent strategy to address these challenges in these areas. However, existing research on touristification lacks effective analytical tools and explanatory mechanisms, making it difficult to delineate the evolution stages, causal mechanisms, and spatiotemporal impacts of tourism development over time. This paper extends the application of touristification theory through a case study, constructing a spatiotemporal model of touristification. Employing observation methods, interviews, and the collection of secondary data, we have obtained multi-source data to delineate the over-two-decade touristification process of the Sayram Lake scenic area in Xinjiang, from an ecological pasture to a mature ecotourism destination. Our study elucidates the multidimensional evolution of touristification and the developmental logic of its various stages. The findings reveal that Sayram Lake has undergone four distinct stages of touristification: government-led internal spatial touristification, government-led external spatial touristification, enterprise-led in-depth spatiotemporal touristification and government and enterprise-led off-peak temporal touristification. In general, tourism destination exhibited an initial internal then external touristification; the focus shifted from the high season and daytime first, then touristification to night-time and off-peak periods. Each stage of touristification at Sayram Lake intersects with the others, each with distinct key issues and driving forces at play. Internal touristification is key to building attractions, while external touristification is crucial for enhancing accessibility, and both should be harmonized. This paper introduces a new touristification model that provides analytical tools to understand the evolutionary patterns of touristification, the causal relationships at different stages, and their impacts. The model offers guidance for balancing conservation and development in ecotourism destinations, resolving the supply and demand contradictions between peak and off-peak seasons, and promoting high-quality development. By providing case studies and pathways, this model serves as a reference for stakeholders in ecotourism to effectively navigate the complexities of touristification.
Source: 自然资源学报
Authors: Zeng-xian LIANG, Xin-jing LI
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4400504109