Regional Differences In Tourism Competitiveness

Based on appraise index system, this project aims to make a quantitative comparison of tourism competitiveness of eight regions in Xinjiang, with a view to contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism industry in the province.On base of describes the present condition of tourism industry in China and Xinjiang, the thesis shows that it is very urgent for the regions in Xinjiang to get a common sustainable competitiveness by develop advantages of their own tourism resources. Analyzing and summarizing some concepts relevant to the study, such as competitiveness , regional competitiveness and regional tourism industry competitiveness. The dissertation takes compare advantage and competitive advantage theories as its theoretical foundation,and regional economics, human geography and sustainable development theory as the knowledge foundation. Devoting to establishing a tourism system diagram by a systemic analysis of the driving forces, with a special emphasis on the factors that contribute to regional differences. Building on the assessment model, develops a set of theoretical index system for assessing tourism competitiveness, followed by specific index for Xinjiang based on interviews with experts and the availability of data. Comprising a multi-dimensional analysis and assessment of the regional competitiveness of Turpan, Hotan, Kashgar, Altay, Changji, Ili, Aksu and Bayingol prefectures, based on interviews with specialists and an analytic hierarchy process. The respective regions are then ranked according to score, with their advantages and disadvantages highlighted and suggestions for improvement offered.The findings of this thesis are fourfold. First, the tourism system consists of demand system, destination system, transport system and support system. Second, the main system factor influencing the level of regional tourism competitiveness includes tourism resource, tourism enterprise, regional social and economic condition, environment and the position of the scenic area. Within the assessment framework, resource accounts for 39.7%, tourism operator 25.40%, regional economy 12.86%, environment 10.71% and the location 11.33%. Fourth, assessment shows that Turpan, Altay, Kashigar, Yili, Bayingo, Aksu, Changji and Hotan stand in descending order of relative competitiveness.