Ecology, Culture and Tourism Integration Efficiency, Spatial Evolution and Influencing Factors in Chinese Provinces

To gain a deeper understanding of the development trends in the integration efficiency of ecology, culture and tourism in China, as well as the regional disparities that arise during this process, this study employs a Super-SBM model with undesirable outputs to assess the integration efficiency of ecology, culture and tourism. Kernel density estimation (KDE) and standard deviational ellipse analysis (SDSEA) are used to examine the dynamic spatial distribution and migration trends of the integration efficiency. Additionally, a Tobit regression analysis is conducted to identify the primary factors contributing to regional differences in integration efficiency. The findings reveal that the integration efficiency of ecological culture and tourism initially declined, followed by a recovery. The spatial dynamic distribution has transitioned through phases characterized by decreasing disparities from an imbalanced state, a coexistence of slowed efficiency and gradient effects, and an eventual increase in efficiency alongside a weakening of the multipolarization phenomenon. The spatial agglomeration of national integration efficiency has gradually increased, with the center of gravity shifting eastward, primarily located in Henan Province. During the study period, the driving mechanism of integration efficiency shifted from traditional economic-driven forces to a dual focus on innovation and institutional coordination, with the pandemic accelerating the differentiation and restructuring of system vulnerabilities and resilience factors. Economic development and market openness positively influence overall integration efficiency, whereas transportation conditions hinder it. This paper offers targeted recommendations based on regional differences, aiming to make a marginal contribution to the sustainable development of ecology, culture, and tourism integration.