Competitiveness Evaluation and Cooperation Network Analysis of Tourist Attractions from the Perspective of Co-Opetition in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD)

Abstract

Cooperation among tourist attractions has encouraged a new form of competition among tourist destinations. Regional tourism cooperation can create win–win scenarios for participating tourist destinations, such as complementary advantages and improved comprehensive competitiveness. This study constructed a competitiveness measurement model and evaluated the competitiveness of tourist attractions. The index variables were set to modify and establish the gravity models (GMs). The cooperation network was established using Ucinet 6.0 software, and the competitive value of the tourist attractions and the structure characteristics of the network were analyzed. The results indicate that the competitiveness of tourist attractions in Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province is strong, while that of attractions in Anhui Province and Shanghai is weak. Tourist attractions in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou have strong gravity for cooperation. Furthermore, the density of the cooperation network is high. The core members of the network are mainly distributed in the eastern region of the YRD and play a core role in the tourism cooperation therein. The cooperation network can be divided into four subgroups at level 2 and seven subgroups at level 3. The conclusions of this study can help the government formulate more targeted regional tourism cooperation policies.