A study of the effects and mechanisms of the digital economy on high-quality tourism development: evidence from the Yangtze River Delta in China

This paper discussed the spatial effects and influence mechanisms of the digital economy on high-quality tourism development in the Yangtze River Delta. It is found that the digital economy promoted high-quality tourism development with a spatial diffusion effect. The digital economy of cities in metropolitan and adjacent area contributed to high-quality tourism development. In non-metropolitan and non-adjacent areas, the lack of core city leadership and support of metropolitan policy are important factors that hinder the functioning of digital economy. Mediation effect model shows that the digital economy could drive high-quality tourism development by improving government efficiency and expanding market potential.