Study on the Influence of Road Network on the Spatial Distribution of Tourism Resources – A Case Study of the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway

Objectives: The Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway is one of the most well-known scenic byway in China. Researching on the mechanism of action between the routes and tourism resources nodes of the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway network, will benefit the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway’s development by changing the development patterns of the Scenic Byway from “point-line” to network, and will be helpful to promote the integration of tourism resources along the route, furthermore to construct the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway as a destination of all-for-one tourism. Methods: Based on the spatial design network analysis (sDNA model), GIS spatial analysis and other methods, the current study analyzed regional tourism resources and the spatial characteristics of road network morphology along the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway, and explored the influence of road network forms on the spatial distribution of tourism resources and its spatial spillover effect by combining with spatial econometric model. Results: The distribution pattern of tourism resources along the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Road is “dense at both ends and sparse in the middle”, and the “Matthew Effect” is significant. The spatial structure of road network varies significantly at different scales; at the global scale, the spatial structure shows “one axis and two cores”, at the local scale, it shows "two cores and multiple nodes"; Every road network variable has spatial spillover effect on the distribution of tourism resources. The global scale Closeness (NQPDE) has significant positive direct effect and negative spillover effect on tourism resources distribution. Every 1% increase in local closeness will promote an increase of 0.811% and -0.99% in the distribution of local and adjacent tourism resources, respectively. Betwenness (TPBTE) has significant positive direct effect and positive spillover effect on the distribution of tourism resources. Every 1% increase in local betwenness will promote an increase of 0.337% and 1.860% in the distribution of local and adjacent tourism resources, respectively. Conclusions: The distribution of tourism resources along the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway’s shows significant “Matthew Effect”. The spatial structure of the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway network varies significantly at different scales. At the global scale, firstly, it has better accessibility and centrality, which is more attractive to the global road network; secondly, the road network is more traversable, which means it bears greater traffic volume, which is more inconsistent with the actual High-grade highways bear more long-distance traffic flows to match; thirdly, they distribution of tourism resources are generally in line with the spatial orientation of National Highway 318. Traffic conditions are an indispensable and important condition for promoting the healthy development of the distribution of regional tourism resources. Closeness (NQPDE) is an important factor affecting the spatial distribution and growth potential of local tourism resources, but it will relatively weaken the development opportunities and cost advantages of tourism resources in neighboring regions, and inhibit the distribution of tourism resources in neighboring regions. Betwenness (TPBtE) is the key to promote global tourism, especially the rapid transportation system can accelerate the integration and reconstruction of tourism elements. This study aims to promote the sound development of the Sichuan-Tibet Scenic Byway network layout and the distribution of regional tourism resources in the post-epidemic era, and to provide reference for the spatial planning of tourism transportation and the optimal allocation of tourism elements.