Do City Honors Increase Tourism Economic Growth? A Quasi-Natural Experimental Research Study Based on “Civilized City” Selection in China

Abstract

“Civilized City” is the highest honor in China’s urban evaluation system. This research used a quasi-natural experiment approach to evaluate how the “Civilized City” designation influence tourism economic growth. The results showed that: (1) “Civilized City” selection promotes the growth of the tourism economy, and its impact on tourism income is greater than on the number of tourists. The “Civilized City” award is more conducive to the growth of the tourism economy than other city honors; (2) the “Civilized City” honor promotes institutional supply and adjusts the allocation of capital and labor, thereby promoting the growth of the tourism economy; and (3) the analysis showed that the impact of the “Civilized City” honor on a city’s tourism economy varies according to region, administrative level, and population size. The results of this research provide empirical support that city honors boost tourism economy growth and yield new evidence for cities to promote tourism development through awards and accreditations.