Uncovering the interconnectedness of tourism growth, green technological advancements and climate change in prominent Asian tourism destinations

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between tourism development, green technological innovation, and CO2 emissions in Asia's top tourist destinations from 1990 to 2022. It uses advanced statistical methods like CS-ARDL and Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality tests to explore the environmental impacts of tourism growth and technological change. Key findings reveal that while tourism and technological advancements initially increase CO2 emissions, they ultimately contribute to reductions when a certain innovation threshold is surpassed, supporting the Innovative Claudia Curve Theory. The research highlights significant regional variations in green technological innovation, underscoring the importance of tailored sustainable tourism strategies. This study contributes to understanding sustainable tourism development in Asia, emphasizing integrating green technology into tourism practices for effective climate change mitigation. The study's findings underscore the critical importance of data-driven policymaking in advancing global efforts toward sustainable tourism, demonstrating how informed strategies can effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change.