Evolution of Spatial Structure of Tourist Flows for a Domestic Destination: A Case Study of Zhangjiajie, China

Abstract

Transportation facilitates the flow of tourists generating tourist flows, which produce flow effects on the spatial scale. By analyzing the evolution of tourist flows in Zhangjiajie by various modes of transportation over a long time series, the results show that the degree of development of the destination transportation network affects the dominance of the tourism node. Specifically, in the “train period”, Zhangjiajie, Changsha, Fenghuang, and Jishou core destinations become dominant with the “Matthew Effect”. In the “road period”, Jishou and Mengdonghe destinations decline, with the “Filtering Effect”. In the “high-speed railway period”, Zhangjiajie and Changsha are connected with more distant origins, and the “Diffusion Effect” occurs. It is worth noting that the development of high-speed rail has created a substitution effect for trains over long distances, and self-driving has created a substitution effect for trains over short and medium distances.