Gap between tourism planning and implementation: A case of China

Area of Science:

• Tourism Studies
• Regional Planning
• Socio-economic Development

Background:

• The gap between tourism planning and implementation is a recognized challenge globally.
• China's tourism sector is crucial for its economy, making effective planning vital.
• Previous research has not fully explored the specific causes of this gap within China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causes of the planning-implementation gap in Chinese tourism development.
• To provide insights for developing effective countermeasures.
• To analyze a specific tourism master plan's implementation in China.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed.
• The research focused on the implementation of the Guniujiang Guanyintang Tourism Development Master Plan (2001-2020).
• Qualitative analysis of identified causes was conducted.

Main Results:

• Seven major causes for the planning-implementation gap were identified.
• These include master plan flaws, insufficient planner background research, inaccurate forecasting, lack of practical experience, practitioner misunderstandings, stakeholder disagreements, private investment issues, and regional development imbalances.
• The study highlights systemic issues affecting tourism development in China.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the planning-implementation gap requires a multi-faceted approach.
• Improvements in master plan design, planner expertise, stakeholder communication, and investment strategies are necessary.
• Mitigating regional development imbalances is crucial for sustainable tourism growth in China.