Interaction between the tourism industry and ecological environment based on the Complicated Adaptation System (CAS) theory: A case study on Henan Province, China

Abstract

Pressure over the destruction of the ecological environment by the tourism industry from the blind development of tourism areas, tourism projects that destroy the ecological environment, tourist overloading during holidays, and poor environmental protection awareness among tourists is increasing. Seeking a balance point between ecological environmental protection and tourism industrial development is key in the sustainable development of the tourism industry. The Complicated Adaptation System (CAS) theory is an important theory in the current system, which focuses on the interaction of the internal elements of a system. Analyzing the interactive development between the tourism industry and the ecological environment based on CAS theory is one way to achieve the harmonious coexistence of the tourism industry and the ecological environment. A case study on Henan Province, China, is conducted, the literature on the interaction between the tourism industry and ecological environment is reviewed, and the environmental pollution status of Henan Province caused by the tourism industry is summarized. Moreover, the complex adaptation of the tourism industry and ecological environment is analyzed. Research results show that most studies support the belief that the tourism industry generates substantial environmental pollution. Environmental pollution from the tourism industry in Henan Province is reflected in tourist overloading, the direct effects of pollution from tourism consumption, damage to cultural relics in star-level tourism areas, and in dwindling habitats for plant and animal survival. Analyzing the interactive relationship between the tourism industry and ecological environment has scientific value and is worth promoting. This relationship is established based on CAS theory from four characteristics, namely, clustering, nonlinearity, flow, and diversity, and three mechanisms, that is, labelling, an internal model, and building blocks. The research conclusions can serve as a reference to better facilitate tourism industry development, estimate the relationship between the tourism economy and ecological environment, and combine ecological tourism and green technological innovation effectively.