Role of foreign direct Investment and political openness in boosting the eco-tourism sector for achieving sustainability

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to examine the impact of China’s political openness index and foreign direct investment on its ecotourism index from 1985 to 2019. The findings revealed that a 1% rise in foreign direct investment had a long-term effect, increasing China’s sustainable tourism index by 0.01%. Furthermore, the political openness index played a significant role in boosting ecotourism in China over both short and long periods. A 1% increase in the political openness index corresponded to a 0.32 and 0.53% increase in China’s ecotourism index in the short and long term, respectively. Additionally, the financial openness index had a positive impact in the short and long term, with a 1% improvement resulting in approximately 0.24 and 0.23% increases in China’s ecotourism index. Key policies to advance eco-tourism in China include ensuring political stability, enhancing green financial markets through fintech and blockchain, and implementing poverty alleviation measures.