Environmental policies as engines for tourism eco-efficiency: quasi-experimental evidence
研究利用2003-2021年中国30个省份数据，采用合成控制法和双重差分法，发现国家生态文明试验区政策使旅游生态效率平均提升5.16%，但效果存在区域差异和空间溢出效应。
Determining the actual effectiveness of environmental policies is paramount for enhancing tourism eco-efficiency. However, few studies have systematically investigated the specific effects of such policies on tourism eco-efficiency. We utilize the slack-based measure data envelopment analysis model to assess tourism eco-efficiency across 30 Chinese provinces from 2003 to 2021. We delve into the environmental policy of China’s Ecological Civilization Pilot Zone, scrutinizing its institutional background and assessing its ramifications for tourism eco-efficiency within the framework of the “Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response” framework and institutional theory. Moreover, we empirically explore the causal link between this policy and tourism eco- efficiency by adopting the synthetic control and difference-in-differences approaches. Our findings indicate that the implementation of the National Ecological Civilization Pilot Zone policy has led to a 5.16% average enhancement in tourism eco-efficiency. Although significant improvements were observed in Fujian, Jiangxi, and Yunnan, Qinghai experienced a decline, as indicated by the synthetic control method. Furthermore, the impact extends spatially, manifesting both at the local level and as spatial spillover effects on the eco-efficiency of tourism in neighboring regions. These results confirm the policy’s effectiveness and highlight the need for devoting increased attention to economically slower-developing regions in sustainable tourism development.