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dc.contributorSchool of Hotel and Tourism Managementen_US
dc.contributor.advisorLi, Mimi (SHTM)en_US
dc.creatorZhuo, Shaobing-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14270-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleThe process and mechanism of neo-endogenous development in rural tourism destinations : a case study from Chinaen_US
dcterms.abstractFaced with global rural decline, developing rural tourism has emerged as a key solution to address issues such as rural depopulation, ecological crises, and cultural preservation, contributing to rural revitalization. However, traditional rural exogenous development models rely heavily on external capital and policy inputs, which can lead to resource misallocation and community marginalization. In contrast, endogenous development models emphasize the activation of local resources, but they struggle to achieve sustainable goals amid the challenges of globalization and digitalization. The shortcomings of these two models have led to the emergence of the Neo-endogenous Development model, which advocates for a dynamic balance through the coordinated use of internal and external resources and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, as exemplified by China. Consequently, this study investigates the core question: "How can rural tourism areas achieve neo-endogenous development?" Grounded in path dependence theory and resource orchestration theory, this study examines the evolutionary paths, regional interactions, and resource management mechanisms, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the process and mechanism underlying neo-endogenous development.en_US
dcterms.abstractThis study was carried out in Tangkou Town and Chikan Town, both located in Guangdong Province, China. Employing case study and ethnography approach, data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Additionally, a range of secondary data was gathered for analysis and validation. The research primarily uses thematic analysis, supported by stakeholder mapping and critical moment identification to examine resource orchestration behaviors.en_US
dcterms.abstractThe study reveals that neo-endogenous rural tourism development is featured by five key aspects: the participation of diverse internal and external stakeholders in local development so as to leverage their unique strengths; a combination of both bottom-up and top-down decision-making systems; the emphasis laid on long-term planning to ensure that the appropriate allocation of resources among various actors; the focus directed towards sustainable economic development by creating a closed loop of investment returns; and the establishment of networks with external bodies and internal networks among stakeholders where emotional connection and community identity are nurtured.en_US
dcterms.abstractThe neo-endogenous development is a continuous process influenced by critical contexts, triggering events, and stakeholder actions. Tangkou Town has gone through four phases of path preformation, path creation and development, dynamic process, and new path creation and development. These phases correspond to different approaches of rural development: pseudo-endogenous development, exogenous development I, exogenous development II, and neo-endogenous development. In comparison, Chikan Town has gone through three phases: path preformation, path creation and development, and path as stable state. These phases correspond to the different approaches of pseudo-endogenous development, exogenous development I, and exogenous development II. Both towns shared similar initial conditions, yet they ultimately diverged in their outcomes. On one hand, the factors of key resources led to either positive or negative path lock-in, prompting stakeholders in both regions to adopt different behavioral strategies. On the other hand, the evolutionary paths of Tangkou Town and Chikan Town are not independent, mutually influencing, and co-evolving with one another.en_US
dcterms.abstractThe evolution of paths in Tangkou Town is influenced by interpath relationships with Chikan Town, which depend on mobilizing and anchoring key resources - tourism resources, markets, institutions, and investments - both internally and externally. As these resources are mobilized and anchored, interpath relationships transition from neutral to supportive, with the coexistence of supportive and competitive, eventually forming new supportive relationships. These dynamics impact the path reformation process and the realization of neo-dogenous development through mechanisms such as positive institutional externalities, market expectations, and network interactions.en_US
dcterms.abstractRural tourism destinations can achieve neo-endogenous development through effective stakeholder-driven resource orchestration. The analysis of Tangkou Town's resource orchestration process reveals four stages: structuring tourism resources, further developing and primary bundling these resources, re-structuring and re-bundling to build capabilities, and effectively leveraging these resources and capabilities. Resource orchestration is a cyclical process that gradually accumulates from initial resources to assets and capabilities, ultimately forming a localized network structure. This process is driven by stakeholders, where resources may transition from original actors to new ones, enhancing connectivity and networking.en_US
dcterms.abstractIn summary, neo-endogenous development in rural tourism is an evolutionary process influenced by interpath relationships and the resource orchestration behaviors of local stakeholders. This process results from a combination of historical context, stakeholder agency, and external dynamic adaptation. Based on this understanding, this study proposes a theoretical framework of neo-endogenous development in rural areas. It integrates path dependence and resource orchestration theory, introducing the concept of "Path Orchestration." This concept emphasizes how stakeholders can actively intervene to break path dependence. The three stages of path orchestration - structuring, bundling, and leveraging - correspond to the formation, lock-in, and breakthrough phases of paths.en_US
dcterms.abstractTheoretically, the study addresses gaps in the understanding of the processes and mechanisms underlying neo-endogenous rural destination development from both interregional and intraregional perspectives. This study emphasizes how different interpath relationships influence rural development through various mechanisms, addressing the gap in understanding how these relationships affect the path reformation process. It confirms that the drivers of neo-endogenous development stem from the capability to mobilize internal resources and respond to external environments and changes. It deepens the understanding of the concept of neo-endogenous development and expands its explanatory power in non-Western contexts. It addresses the traditional neglect of stakeholder agency in path dependence theory and expands the application of resource orchestration theory by emphasizing the value of community participation and networks. Practically, the findings suggest three key implications for the sustainable development of rural destinations: local governments should develop phased resource strategies that balance short-term investments with long-term capabilities building; promote regional industrial collaboration to avoid homogenized competition; and enhance endogenous motivation through institutional innovation and community involvement.en_US
dcterms.extentx, 227 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2025en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelDHTMen_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHRural tourism -- Chinaen_US
dcterms.LCSHSustainable development -- Chinaen_US
dcterms.LCSHCommunity development -- Chinaen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14270