The Impact of Air Quality on Inbound Tourist Arrivals over China Based on Grey Relational Analysis

Air pollution has a significant impact on tourism; however, research in this area is still limited. In study, we applied grey relational analysis to panel data from 31 provinces China and evaluated the relationship between air quality inbound tourist arrivals. The study focused provincial-level disparities for different key evaluation standards during 2009–2012 2013–2019. For instance, considered PM10, SO2, NO2 excellent good ratings of Pollution Index (API) additional PM2.5, CO, O3 Quality (AQI) 2013 2019. Results indicate that: (1) Inbound arrivals are significantly positively affected by ambient quality, 2019 was greater than that 2009 2012; (2) there regional diversity arrivals, indicators varies; (3) tourists showed sensitivity under AQI standard; (4) shows order, concentration PM10 SO2 have less NO2, CO changes tourism numbers; (5) consistency foreign compatriot HK, MO TW varies indicators. This highlights need appropriate measures improve high-quality sustainable development tourism.