Spatial Network Structure Characteristics of Tourism Supply in China: A Social Network Analysis Method

Abstract

Optimizing the spatial network structure of tourism supply is a prerequisite for achieving high-quality development in the tourism industry. Research on the evolutionary characteristics of tourism supply spatial network structures remains unclear. In this study, integrated the modified gravity model and social network analysis (SNA) to investigate the spatial network structure characteristics of tourism supply in China at the provincial level from the years 2004–2019. The results indicate that while the provincial tourism supply spatial network maintained a relatively loose structure, its accessibility and balance showed progressive enhancement. Significant regional disparities emerged in the spatial network characteristics among eastern, central, and western regions. Furthermore, the tourism supply network exhibits a dual-polarized core-periphery structure. Different role subgroups were divided into four levels: core leader, important leader, general partner, and marginal partner. This research advances theoretical and methodological frameworks in tourism supply studies. The findings can inform policy formulation for enhancing regional tourism collaboration and optimizing network relationships.