Research on the Non-Coordinated Coupling Relationship between Leisure Tourism and the Ecological Environment: A Case Study of the Ili Region in Xinjiang

Abstract

There is a complex relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment that is both interdependent and constrained. It is of great practical importance to reveal their incongruous coupling to promote ecological security and harmonious social development. Utilizing a framework model of a non-coordinated coupling driving mechanism, we have established a comprehensive evaluation index system, encompassing the three dimensions of leisure tourism resource quality, infrastructure, and economic benefits, as well as three dimensions related to ecological environment pressure, protection investment, and efficiency. We calculated the weights of each evaluation index using the coefficient of variation method and employed a non-coordinated coupling function to analyze the coupling relationship and evolution of leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region of Xinjiang. The results suggest the following: ① The level of leisure and tourism in the Ili Prefecture has exhibited fluctuations and steady growth, increasing from 0.0032 in 2001 to 0.9033 in 2022. Similarly, the ecological environment has also improved, from 0.2372 in 2001 to 0.7755 in 2022, except for a slight decrease in 2008, showing an upward trend throughout all other years. ② The coupling coordination type has undergone three significant stages of transformation: from 2001 to 2002, the degree of non-coordinated coupling decreased from 0.8825 to 0.8229, marking a high-level non-coordinated coupling phase; from 2003 to 2016, the degree of non-coordinated coupling further decreased from 0.7951 to 0.5098, entering a rectification phase; and from 2017 to 2022, the degree of non-coordinated coupling dropped from 0.4882 to 0.3531, moving into an antagonistic phase, with the relationship gradually evolving towards positive interaction. By analyzing the non-coordinated coupling and internal mechanisms between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region, this study provides a scientific reference for promoting the sustainable and healthy development of leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the region.

1. Introduction

In the era of escalating globalization, tourism has emerged as a pivotal driving force in the global economy [1]. Leisure tourism, as a vital component of the tourism industry, provides people with a means of leisure and entertainment, enriches their life experiences, and is favored by more and more people, becoming an important economic activity and cultural phenomenon [2]. Leisure tourism refers to the tourism activities undertaken by individuals during their leisure time, with the primary objective of relaxation, life experiences, and the pursuit of pleasure. Its categories are diverse and encompass natural scenery sightseeing, cultural relic visits, seaside vacations, mountain expeditions, and rural immersions, as well as urban leisure and entertainment [3]. Leisure tourism, with its diverse forms and rich content, offers tourists a broad range of choices, and its rise reflects the growing demand for diversified and personalized tourism experiences [4]. However, it is important to acknowledge that the rich and varied forms of leisure tourism rely on abundant natural and cultural resources, and require a favorable ecological environment for support, which together provide unique experiences that form the core of a tourist destination’s attractiveness [5]. At the same time, as a crucial part of the tourism industry, the development of leisure tourism inevitably causes certain damage to the ecological environment, due to various pollutants produced by transportation, catering, and accommodation. Moreover, improper leisure tourism development and management can pose threats to the ecological environment, affecting the sustainable development of tourist destinations [6]. Hence, there exists an intricate interplay of non-alignment between the advancement of recreational tourism and the ecological milieu, particularly in regions with delicate ecological ecosystems, presenting challenges to the sustainable local coexistence of humanity and the natural environment [7]. Therefore, this article focuses on the interdependent relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the ecologically sensitive area of Ili, Xinjiang. It analyzes the intrinsic mechanism of their interdependence, which holds significant theoretical and practical implications for promoting regional ecological environment protection and the coordinated development of leisure tourism. In comparison to the existing research literature, this article’s contributions are primarily reflected in three aspects: firstly, it constructs a comprehensive framework model for understanding the non-coordinated coupling driving mechanism between leisure tourism and the ecological environment. This model systematically analyzes their multidimensional correlation, providing crucial theoretical support for a deeper comprehension of the interaction mechanism between leisure tourism and the ecological environment. Secondly, methodologically speaking, this study introduces reverse thinking and problem diagnosis methods. Utilizing non-coordinated coupling functions effectively can accurately identify the relationship status between leisure tourism and the ecological environment, while clearly depicting its dynamic trajectory over time. The adoption of this method significantly enhances research accuracy and depth. Finally, at an empirical analysis level, this study selects Ili in Xinjiang as a representative case for an in-depth examination. The Ili region offers a unique perspective, due to its ecological vulnerability and special position as an important node along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Moreover, this article specifically focuses on leisure tourism as a specific form by combining it with actual situations in the Ili region, making the research conclusions widely applicable while reflecting distinct regional characteristics, enhancing practical guidance significance through typicality, and providing a reference for new ideas for subsequent related studies.

The study of the tourism industry and its impact on the ecological environment is a complex and long-standing issue that has been extensively explored by scholars. Early research primarily focused on analyzing specific tourism cases, to understand ecological tourism systems [8], examining the environmental consequences of tourism [9], and exploring ethical considerations related to tourism and the environment [10]. As research has progressed, recent studies have delved into the more nuanced aspects of the relationship between tourism and the ecological environment, encompassing the following key areas: (1) in terms of research content, various disciplinary perspectives such as economics, management, and geography have been employed to study tourism ecological efficiency [11], the level of synergy between tourism and the environment [12], the carrying capacity of tourist destinations [13], and tourism ecological resilience [14]. (2) Commonly used research methods include the linear weighting method [15], the coupled coordination degree model [16], and the panel vector autoregressive model [17]. (3) Studies on the relationship between tourism and the environment have covered different scales, including the global [18], national [12], or regional [19] levels, to explore factors influencing coordinated sustainable development. However, existing studies mainly focus on a comprehensive analysis of their relationship, rather than exploring specific types of tourism forms in relation to the environment. Furthermore, evaluation in non-coordinated coupling states is rarely addressed in existing studies, which mostly assess the coordination status in their coupling relationship. Non-coordination refers to the lack of proper coordination and harmony between two or more entities, reflecting the phenomenon of divergent development among various elements, systems, and regions [20]. In the context of the relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment, non-coordination manifests as the negative impact and degradation caused by tourism activities on the ecological environment, as well as the influence and constraints imposed by changes in ecological conditions on tourism activities. This lack of coordination hampers sustainable development in tourist destinations and leads to irreversible damage to the ecological environment [21]. The Ili region in Xinjiang is an important city along the BRI, with a rich cultural heritage and abundant tourism resources; however, it possesses a sensitive and fragile ecology. Its unique location, combined with its complex environmental dynamics, makes it an area of significant research interest. Therefore, this study takes the Ili region as a case study area to assess levels of leisure tourism and evaluate their impact on the ecological environment from 2001 to 2022. The aim is to establish models that determine their coordinated relationship, in order to foster a harmonious coexistence between leisure tourism industry growth and the preservation of ecological integrity. The findings will provide valuable insights for promoting sustained healthy development for the regional economy, society, and environmental conservation.

2. Overview of the Study Area

The lli region is located in the northwest of Xinjiang, in the central region of Eurasia, and serves as a crucial corridor connecting Central Asia and East Asia (Figure 1) [22]. The terrain of this region is mainly mountainous and basin-like, characterized by a typical temperate continental climate with warm and humid summers, cold and dry winters, significant seasonal variations, and large diurnal temperature differences. These extreme climatic conditions present a significant challenge to the stability of the ecological environment [23]. Concurrently, the uneven distribution of water resources and the limitations imposed by soil erosion and salinization render the Ili region susceptible to fluctuations in agricultural production and vegetation growth. Furthermore, the lli region is endowed with rich species diversity, including various wild fruit trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and a wealth of animal species. This rich diversity also gives rise to a complex ecosystem structure, and once a key species is threatened, it may trigger a chain reaction that affects the balance of the entire ecosystem [24]. The aforementioned factors have led to a significant level of ecological fragility in the Ili region.

The Ili Prefecture, covering an area of approximately 350,000 square kilometers, encompasses the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture and two directly administered counties. Its diverse natural landscapes, rich historical and cultural heritage, unique folk traditions, and dynamic modern human capital have established the Ili Prefecture as a focal point for recreational tourism, rendering it an optimal destination for both domestic and international travelers [25]. The region is characterized by glacial peaks, alpine lakes, forests, and grasslands, particularly the Nalati scenic area and the Karajun scenic area, which offer beautiful natural scenery and well-developed service facilities, attracting a large number of tourists [26]. As of 21 July 2024, the total number of tourists received by the Nalati scenic area annually has reached 2,072,854, representing a year-on-year increase of 66.43 percent, demonstrating strong market appeal. In addition to its natural landscapes, lli also attracts tourists, with its profound historical and cultural heritage [27]. As a multi-ethnic region, lli has inherited many historical and cultural relics, such as the Wusun Ancient Tombs, grassland stone statues, and rock paintings [28]. Furthermore, the Ili region hosts a series of significant cultural and tourism events, including the Apricot Blossom Festival, the Lavender Festival, the Tianma Festival, and the Ice and Snow Festival, to further show the folk customs and enhance the attractiveness of its leisure tourism [29]. In recent years, the Ili region has strategically positioned leisure and tourism as a key industry to drive high-quality economic development and has implemented the “Tourism Revitalization Strategy”. It has continuously enhanced tourism infrastructure and service facilities, improved tourism service quality, and elevated visitor experiences through digital means. Furthermore, it has pioneered innovative models for integrating digital technology into tourism development and created a range of exceptional tourism products that not only showcase traditional Chinese culture, but also meet market demands and modern consumption trends, thus attracting a significant influx of tourists [30]. The statistics show that, by the end of March 2024, the number of accommodation beds in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture had reached 187,000. By augmenting its overall supply and enhancing supply-capacity flexibility, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture persistently promotes the development of diverse accommodation facilities, encompassing 66 high-star hotels, 986 business hotels, over 2200 tourist homestays, and approximately 100 RV campsites and self-driving campsites. This effectively caters to the varied lodging requirements of different tourists. In 2023, the Ili Prefecture welcomed a total of 152.5575 million tourists, marking a remarkable increase of 101.8%, compared to the previous year. This influx resulted in tourism revenue of CNY 93.952 billion, reflecting a substantial growth of 162.1%. These figures underscore the robust recovery of the tourism market and signify tourists’ appreciation for the leisure tourism offerings in the Ili Prefecture [31].

However, with the increase in leisure tourism activities, issues of excessive natural resource development have become increasingly severe, such as deforestation and wetland filling, which destroy natural landscapes and cause irreversible damage to ecosystems [32]. At the same time, the issues of water pollution, soil erosion, and land degradation are becoming more and more prominent. The waste and wastewater produced by tourist activities are directly discharged into the environment without adequate treatment, which exacerbates soil erosion and land degradation [33]. Leisure tourism also poses threats to biodiversity, with wild plants and animals facing risks of habitat loss and species decline [34]. The ecological environment in the Ili region is experiencing significant challenges, due to the complex interplay between natural conditions, ecosystem structure, and the impacts of human leisure tourism activities. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt scientific, systematic, and comprehensive measures to resolve the contradiction between the development of leisure tourism and ecological environment protection, achieving coordinated and sustainable development between the ecological environment and leisure tourism.

In summary, the unique geographical location, diverse cultural integration, and abundant leisure tourism resources in the Ili region of Xinjiang provide favorable conditions for the development of leisure tourism. However, given its sensitive ecological environment and high susceptibility to interference from tourist activities, particularly against the backdrop of the deep implementation of the BRI and the flourishing tourism industry in Xinjiang, effective coordination between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region has become increasingly crucial. Therefore, exploring the non-coordinated coupling relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region can offer vital theoretical support for formulating scientifically sound strategies for tourism development and ecological protection. Additionally, it provides valuable guidance on achieving a balance between environmental preservation and leisure tourism development in practice, while drawing insights and experiences from research on the coordinated development between leisure tourism and ecological environment conducted in other environmentally sensitive areas.

3. Research Methods

3.1. Construction of Evaluation Framework Model and Analysis of Evaluation Indicators

3.1.1. Construction of Evaluation Framework Model

This study aims to assess the developmental status of leisure tourism and the ecological environment, as well as to identify the non-coordinated coupling relationship between them. Leisure tourism and the ecological environment are two complex systems with substantial content, and are characterized by a strong interactive coupling relationship. This relationship is primarily manifested in the contradictions and conflicts during their interaction, which can be thoroughly analyzed from the perspectives of “providing conditions” and “exerting pressure”.

From the dimension of “providing conditions”, the development of leisure tourism relies on the high-quality natural resources and unique landscape features provided by the ecological environment, which are key factors in attracting tourists [19]. Firstly, optimizing carriers for leisure tourism resources contributes to promoting eco-environmental construction. The development and preservation of these resources both align with eco-environmental protection processes and meet requirements for building an ecologically civilized society. Leisure activities stem from picturesque surroundings that should ultimately benefit their ecosystems. By developing and planning these resources using eco-friendly practices, such as low-carbon emission management, alongside principles emphasizing harmony with nature, sustainable growth objectives aim to establish top-tier tourist destinations as a manifestation of environmentally conscious resource-utilization practices. Secondly, ecological environmental conservation lays down the essential groundwork for fostering a thriving leisure tourism sector. The success of this industry hinges upon maintaining pristine ecosystems; thus, safeguarding existing ones while rehabilitating degraded environments significantly enhances the quality of available tourist attractions. Simultaneously, a stunning natural landscape draws more visitors, boosting a competitive edge in tourism, expanding market demand, and propelling industry expansion. However, this interdependence also gives rise to an incongruous coupling: the natural resources within ecosystems are finite; excessive exploitation results in detrimental effects such as deforestation or water contamination.

From the perspective of “applying pressure”, as leisure tourism input increases, there is a corresponding development of leisure tourism resources, which exerts certain pressures on the ecological environment. Leisure tourism activities benefit from the conditions provided by the ecological environment, while also imposing various pressures, including physical, chemical, and biological impacts. These combined pressures contribute to environmental degradation and destruction [35]. Specifically, constructing leisure tourism facilities requires occupying land and space, leading to spatial competition with other organisms or ecological processes; for example, building a tourist resort may encroach upon wild animal habitats and reduce biodiversity. Tourist activities such as hiking, camping, and driving can cause physical damage to surface areas by trampling vegetation and disrupting the soil structure. The improper treatment of waste and sewage generated by leisure tourism activities can result in chemical pollution of the ecological environment. Furthermore, tourist activities may alter biological community structures, directly impacting or displacing wildlife populations and affecting their survival and reproduction. This intensified competition further exacerbates the non-coordination between leisure tourism and the ecological environment.

With the increasing demand for leisure tourism, there has been a heightened focus on investment in, and the development of, leisure tourism resources, exerting pressure on the ecological environment, to some extent [36]. In response to this pressure, proactive measures for ecological environmental protection have been implemented with augmented investment and enhanced protection efficiency, ensuring a progression towards a healthier and more sustainable ecological environment [37]. Effective ecological environmental protection not only provides high-quality tourism resources for leisure tourism, thereby enhancing its appeal and economic benefits [38], but also stimulates local economic development through the prosperity of leisure tourism, offering increased financial and resource support for ecological environmental protection [39]. This positive interplay between leisure tourism and the ecological environment not only enhances the quality and sustainability of leisure tourism, but also fosters the improvement and preservation of the ecological environment. These mutually reinforcing dynamics form a coupled pattern that is conducive to sustainable development, laying a robust foundation for leisure tourism’s sustainable growth and that of the ecological environment. Based on the above analysis, Figure 2 presents a framework model for evaluating the coordinated coupling between leisure tourism and the ecological environment.

3.1.2. Evaluation Index Analysis

Based on the aforementioned evaluation framework model and referring to previous research findings [40,41], as well as the principles of scientificity, systematicity, independence, feasibility, and representativeness, in conjunction with the actual situation, a coupled evaluation index system for leisure tourism and the ecological environment was devised. The leisure tourism system comprises three main components: leisure tourism resource quality, leisure tourism infrastructure, and leisure tourism economic benefits (

Table 1. Evaluation index of leisure tourism system.

	Level 1 Indicators	Basic Indicators	Weight	Nature
Leisure tourism system	Quality of leisure and tourism resources (0.1519)	Travel period (days) X1	0.0307	+
		Level of national culture development (%) X2	0.0297	+
		Scale and abundance of tourism resources (one) X3	0.0293	+
		Tourism resource visibility (%) X4	0.0621	+
	Leisure and Tourism Infrastructure (0.3389)	Investment in tourism infrastructure (CNY ten thousand) X5	0.1188	+
		Accommodation beds (one) X6	0.0905	+
		Restaurant room (one) X7	0.0934	+
		Travel Consulting Service Center (one) X8	0.0363	+
	Economic benefits of leisure and tourism (0.5092)	Total number of visitors (ten thousand person-times) X9	0.0594	+
		Share of tourism revenue in GDP (%) X10	0.0964	+
		Tourism income (CNY ten thousand) X11	0.1501	+
		Per capita disposable income of residents in tourist areas (CNY) X12	0.0618	+
		Leisure tourism effect (%) X13	0.0979	+
		Tourism employment rate (%) X14	0.0437	+

). Among them, the leisure-tourism resource quality indicators encompass tourism suitability period, ethnic-culture development level, tourism resource scale and abundance, and tourism resource popularity. The leisure-tourism infrastructure indicators include tourism infrastructure investment, the number of accommodation beds, restaurant seating capacity, and tourist information centers. Meanwhile, the leisure-tourism economic-benefit indicators comprise total tourist reception, the proportion of tourism revenue in GDP, tourism revenue, the per capita disposable income of local residents, leisure tourism effects, and tourism employment rate.

The ecological environment system is structured into ecological environment stress, ecological-environment protection investment, and ecological-environment protection efficiency (

Table 2. Evaluation indicators of the ecological environment system.

	Level 1 Indicators	Basic Indicators	Weight	Nature
Ecological environment system	Ecological environment pressure (0.3368)	Domestic sewage discharge (ten thousand t) Y1	0.0474	-
		Domestic waste gas emission (ten thousand meters) Y2	0.0357	-
		Volume of household-garbage clearance (ten thousand t) Y3	0.0361	-
		Rural population density Y4	0.1265	-
		Pesticide application intensity (kg/hm2) Y5	0.0454	-
		Fertilizer application intensity (kg/hm2) Y6	0.0458	-
	Investment in ecological and environmental protection (0.2404)	Environmental Protection Investment Index (%) Y7	0.0550	+
		Afforestation area (hm2) Y8	0.0661	+
		Tap-water penetration rate in rural areas (%) Y9	0.0890	+
		Garbage collection facilities(one) Y10	0.0303	+
	Efficiency of ecological and environmental protection (0.4228)	Domestic sewage treatment rate (%) Y11	0.0441	+
		Household-waste disposal rate (%) Y12	0.0619	+
		Rate of days with good air quality (%) Y13	0.0478	+
		Drinking water quality meets the standard rate (%) Y14	0.1019	+
		Biodiversity (species) Y15	0.0742	+
		Vegetation coverage (%) Y16	0.0500	+
		Public green-space area per capita (m2) Y17	0.0429	+

). Specifically, the ecological-environment stress indicators encompass domestic sewage discharge, domestic exhaust emissions, domestic-waste transportation volume, rural population density, pesticide application intensity, and fertilizer application intensity. The ecological-environment protection investment indicators consist of afforestation areas, the environmental-protection investment index, sewage treatment capacity, and waste collection facilities. Lastly, the ecological-environment protection efficiency indicators cover domestic sewage-treatment rate, domestic waste-disposal rate, percentage of days with good air quality, potable-water-quality compliance rate, biodiversity, vegetation coverage, and per capita public green-space area.

3.2. Evaluation Model Establishment

3.2.1. Determination of Evaluation Indicator Weights

In order to avoid deviations in the measurement results caused by subjective factors in weight allocation from the actual situation, this study adopts the coefficient of variation method to objectively calculate the weights of each indicator, resulting in a highly objective outcome. The specific steps are as follows:

(1) Calculate the mean value of the characteristic value of each evaluation index.

$${\overline{x}}_j={\displaystyle \frac{1}{n}}{\sum }_{i=1}^n{x}_{ij}(i=1,2,\cdots ,n; j=1,2,\cdots ,m)$$

(1)

In the formula, ${\overline{x}}_j$ is the average of the eigenvalues of item $j$ of all the evaluation objects, and $x_{ij}$ is the eigenvalue of evaluation index $j$ of evaluation object $i$.

(2) Calculate the standard deviation of the eigenvalues of each evaluation index.

$$S_j=\sqrt{{\displaystyle \frac{1}{n}}{\sum }_{i=1}^n\left(x_{ij}-{\overline{x}}_j\right)}$$

(2)

In the formula, $S_j$ is the standard deviation of the eigenvalue of the evaluation index in item $j$.

(3) Calculate the coefficient of variation of the characteristic values of each evaluation index.

$$V_j=S_j/{\overline{x}}_j$$

(3)

In the formula, $V_j$ is the coefficient of variation of evaluation index $j$.

(4) Calculate the weight of each evaluation index.

$$W_j=V_j/{\sum }_{j=1}^m{V}_j$$

(4)

In the formula, $W_j$ is the weight value of evaluation index $j$.

3.2.2. Establish the Discrimination Function

(1) Normalizing the original data:

Form a judgment matrix consisting of n evaluation objects and m indicators $\mathrm{R}=\left(x_{ij}\right)\left(a=1,2,L,n; b=1,2,L,m\right)$. When the indicator is a positive indicator, this represents that the larger the value, the better.

$$r_{ij}=\left[X_{ij}-min\left(X_{ij}\right)\right]/max\left(X_{ij}\right)-min\left(X_{ij}\right)$$

(5)

When the indicator is a negative indicator, this represents that the smaller the value, the better.

$$r_{ij}=\left[max\left(X_{ij}\right)-X_{ij}\right]/max\left(X_{ij}\right)-min\left(X_{ij}\right)$$

(6)

In the formula, $X_{ij}$ is the jth evaluation index value of the ith evaluation object, $max\left(X_{ij}\right)$ is the maximum value of the ith evaluation object, and $min\left(X_{ij}\right)$ is the minimum value of the ith evaluation object.

(2) Discrimination of the non-coordinated coupling relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment:

The intricate and multi-faceted relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment manifests as a non-coherent coupling, revealing inherent contradictions and conflicts. This non-coherent relationship may stem from the excessive impact of leisure tourism activities on the ecological environment, including the over-exploitation of natural resources, environmental pollution and degradation, ecosystem imbalance, and unsustainable resource consumption. It may also result from the limitations imposed by the ecological environment on leisure tourism development. This non-coherent coupling exhibits dynamic spatial and temporal characteristics, representing a transient function of the interplay between leisure tourism development and the ecological environment.

From a temporal perspective, the non-coordinated coupling relationship between the development of leisure tourism and the ecological environment has undergone an evolutionary process. Initially, with low levels of natural resource development, the ecological environment can withstand a certain amount of tourism pressure, resulting in a relatively coordinated relationship. However, as leisure tourism rapidly develops, the pressure on the ecological environment gradually increases, leading to the emergence and intensification of non-coordination [42]. Without effective interventions and adjustments, non-coordination may further deteriorate, potentially leading to ecological collapse and the unsustainable development of leisure tourism.

From a spatial perspective, the non-coordinated coupling relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment varies significantly across different regions and sites. Some areas have strong ecological carrying capacities and can accommodate high-intensity leisure tourism activities, whereas others are relatively fragile and have limited capacities to sustain tourism activities. These spatial differences lead to different manifestations of non-coordination in different regions. Additionally, as leisure tourism activities expand spatially and the ecological environment undergoes spatial changes, the non-coordinated coupling relationship is continually reconstructed and adjusted.

In conclusion, the non-coordinated coupling relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment represents an interactive function in both time and space. This relationship is influenced by the developmental trajectory of leisure tourism and the evolutionary process of the ecological environment in temporal dimensions, while being constrained by the regional disparities and spatial patterns of the ecological environment. In order to build upon the interplay between coordination and non-coordination, a discrimination model for non-coordinated coupling was established with the following specific formula:

$$ND=1-D$$

(7)

$$D={\left(C\times T\right)}^{1/2}$$

(8)

$$C={\left\{\left(U_1\times U_2\right)/{\left(U_1+U_2\right)}^2\right\}}^{1/2}$$

(9)

$$T=a\times U_1+b\times U_2$$

(10)

In the formula, $ND$ is the coordination coupling degree; $D$ is the coordination coupling degree; $C$ is the coupling degree; $T$ is the leisure tourism and ecological environment comprehensive level; $U_1$ is the leisure tourism level; $U_2$ is the ecological environment; and a and b, respectively, denote the leisure tourism and ecological environment in the system, such that $a+b=1$. When leisure tourism and ecological protection are considered equally important, take $a=b=0.5$.

On the basis of full reference to the existing literature research results [43,44], the coupling degree of leisure tourism and ecological environment can be delineated into the following four stages: Phase Ⅰ: Low-level non-coordinated coupling ($0<ND\le 0.2$), where leisure tourism and the ecological environment tend to have a benign interaction. Phase II: Antagonistic, non-coordinated coupling ($0.2<ND\le 0.5$), where the importance of ecological and environmental protection is realized by people, and increases in environmental protection investment occurs. In this phase, the non-benign interaction relationship between leisure tourism and ecological environment is improved. Phase III: Run-in non-coordinated coupling ($0.5<ND\le 0.8$), where the stress effect of leisure tourism on the ecological environment is gradually strengthened, the ecological environment undergoes deterioration, and the non-benign interaction between leisure tourism and ecological environment is obvious. Phase IV: High-level of uncoordinated coupling ($0.8<ND\le 1$), where leisure tourism and ecological environment are in a state of uncoordinated development.

4. Results and Analysis

4.1. Data Sources and Calculations

The primary sources of relevant data for the study include the Xinjiang Statistical Yearbook (2001–2023), the Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin of the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture (2001–2023), the Water Resources Bulletin of Xinjiang (2001–2023), and the pertinent literature.

The relevant data were substituted into Equations (5)–(10), and calculations were made to determine the non-coherent coupling between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region. The findings are detailed in

Table 3. Evaluation results of the coupling between leisure tourism and ecological environment in the Ili region.

Year	${\mathit{U}}_1$	${\mathit{U}}_2$	$\mathit{C}$	$\mathit{T}$	$\mathit{N}\mathit{D}$
2001	0.0032	0.2372	0.1148	0.1202	0.8825
2002	0.0156	0.2525	0.2341	0.1340	0.8229
2003	0.0266	0.2647	0.2883	0.1457	0.7951
2004	0.0367	0.2875	0.3168	0.1621	0.7734
2005	0.0485	0.3122	0.3413	0.1803	0.7519
2006	0.0626	0.3244	0.3683	0.1935	0.7330
2007	0.0819	0.3227	0.4018	0.2023	0.7149
2008	0.0901	0.3192	0.4143	0.2046	0.7088
2009	0.1026	0.3418	0.4214	0.2222	0.6940
2010	0.1199	0.3687	0.4303	0.2443	0.6757
2011	0.1532	0.4013	0.4472	0.2773	0.6479
2012	0.2359	0.4360	0.4773	0.3360	0.5996
2013	0.1976	0.4677	0.4569	0.3326	0.6101
2014	0.2288	0.5035	0.4635	0.3662	0.5880
2015	0.3534	0.5271	0.4902	0.4403	0.5354
2016	0.4146	0.5572	0.4946	0.4859	0.5098
2017	0.4744	0.5783	0.4976	0.5264	0.4882
2018	0.6236	0.5992	0.4999	0.6114	0.4471
2019	0.7368	0.6630	0.4993	0.6999	0.4088
2020	0.6943	0.7405	0.4997	0.7174	0.4012
2021	0.6395	0.7568	0.4982	0.6981	0.4102
2022	0.9033	0.7755	0.4985	0.8394	0.3531

Note: $U_1$ is the level of leisure tourism; $U_2$ is the level of ecological environment; $C$ is the coupling degree; $T$ is the comprehensive level of leisure tourism and ecological environment; $ND$ is the coupling degree of noncoordination.

.

4.2. Analysis of Leisure Tourism and Ecological Environment Levels in the Ili Region

4.2.1. Analysis of Leisure Tourism Level in the Ili Region

As evidenced by the composite scores in Table 3 and the evolution of Figure 3 (Figure 3 depicts the evolution of the leisure tourism level), the level of leisure tourism in the Ili region exhibits fluctuations and growth, reaching a value of 0.9033 in 2022 from a baseline of 0.0032 in 2001, with an average annual increase of 4.09% over the course of the study period. Specifically, the leisure tourism level steadily rose to 0.2359 from 2001 to 2012, with a slight decrease, to 0.1976, in 2013. From 2014 to 2019, the growth rate significantly accelerated, with an average annual growth rate of 8.47%, reaching a new peak in 2019, followed by a downward trend, and then a rapid recovery to the maximum value of 0.9033, in 2022. The fluctuating growth of leisure tourism in the Ili region can be attributed to multiple factors at several key stages. Firstly, from 2001 to 2012, there was a consistent increase, primarily due to the initial attention and investment by local governments in the tourism industry, as well as gradual improvements to infrastructure, which provided a fundamental guarantee for leisure tourism. Subsequently, the slight decline observed in 2013 may be associated with global economic conditions or regional policy adjustments. From 2014 to 2019, propelled by the advancement of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, a maturing tourism market, intensified marketing efforts, and continuous innovation in tourism products and services contributed to a period of rapid growth in leisure tourism. However, the marginal decrease after 2019 could potentially be linked to heightened market competition, evolving consumer demands, or temporary external environmental challenges. Ultimately, the significant rebound witnessed in 2022 might have benefited from the post-pandemic recovery of the tourism industry, along with strengthened policy support and an upsurge in tourists’ demand for nature and cultural experiences, collectively propelling leisure tourism levels to unprecedented heights. The growth trend of the leisure tourism level, as an umbrella indicator, is closely related to the changes in the three subsystems: leisure tourism resource quality, leisure tourism infrastructure, and leisure tourism economic benefits. Specifically, from 2001 to 2012, which was the initial stage of leisure tourism development in the Ili region, the resource quality improved to 0.0542, the infrastructure improved to 0.1025, and the economic benefits grew to 0.0792, indicating increased investment in tourism infrastructure, continuous efforts in tourism resource protection and development, gradual improvements in resource quality and infrastructure, and a steady increase in benefits. From 2013 to 2019, the leisure tourism resource quality increased from 0.0641 to 0.1346, leisure tourism infrastructure increased from 0.0431 to 0.2824, and the leisure tourism economic benefits increased from 0.0904 to 0.3198, suggesting the comprehensive development of leisure tourism in the Ili region during this phase, where dual improvements in economic benefits and overall level were achieved. It is important to highlight the fact that the global tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the long-term consequences of the pandemic between 2019 and 2021. In this context, the Ili region has also experienced a certain degree of decline in leisure tourism, with a reduction in the level of leisure tourism in recent years and a fluctuating decline in the infrastructure and economic benefits associated with leisure tourism. Nevertheless, the enhancement in the quality of leisure tourism resources in the Ili region remains noteworthy, largely due to the government’s support, the distinctive and abundant nature of the region’s tourism resources, and the favorable transformation and advancement of the tourism market. In 2022, with the gradual control of the pandemic, the leisure tourism industry in the Ili region experienced a strong recovery. As shown in Figure 3, the quality of leisure tourism resources, infrastructure, economic benefits, and levels in the region all reached their highest values during the study period.

4.2.2. Analysis of Ecological Environment Level in the Ili Region

From the information in Table 3 and Figure 4 (Figure 4 illustrates the ecological environment level), the ecological environment level, as a comprehensive variable, showed a relatively rapid upward trend from 2001 to 2004, rising from an initial point of 0.2372 to 0.3244. Subsequently, there was a certain degree of decrease, to 0.3192, by 2008. From 2009 to 2022, it exhibited a sustained and stable upward phase, increasing from an initial point of 0.3418 to 0.7755, indicating that the overall ecological environment in the Ili region had been significantly improved and enhanced. This change can be attributed to strengthened policies, increased environmental awareness, and effective implementation of ecological protection measures. In terms of the evolution of the ecological environment subsystems, both ecological environment investment and ecological environment protection efficiency showed a continuously rising trend, reaching 0.2404 and 0.4083, respectively, in 2022. This is a consequence of the increased attention devoted to the protection of the ecological environment, as well as the yearly growth in the ecological environment input, which provides the essential financial and material resources for the implementation of ecological protection measures. At the same time, the enhancement of environmental awareness across society also prompted more resources to be invested in ecological environment protection. These increased investments promoted the improvement in ecological environment protection efficiency, enabling the Ili region to achieve significant results in resource utilization and environmental protection and continuously improve the quality of the ecological environment. Ecological environment pressure, on the other hand, showed a fluctuating downward trend, decreasing from 0.2114 in 2001 to 0.1269 in 2022. Notably, there was a continuous downward trend from 2011 to 2022. This was due to the combined effects of the government strengthening environmental protection policies and raising social and environmental awareness, as well as effectively implementing ecological protection measures, where the negative impact of human activities on the ecological environment in the Ili region had been effectively controlled; this has resulted in a fluctuating downward trend in ecological environment pressure. In particular, this downward trend was more pronounced between 2011 and 2022, indicating that the ecological environment protection measures in the Ili region have been highly effective, and the ecological environment conditions have continuously improved.

4.3. Uncoordinated Coupling of Leisure Tourism and Ecological Environment in the Ili Region

4.3.1. Analysis of Uncoordinated Coupling Degree between Leisure Tourism and the Ecological Environment

As can be seen from Table 3 and Figure 5 (Figure 5 displays the non-coherent coupling between leisure tourism and the ecological environment), the uncoordinated coupling degree between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the lli region has shown a continuous downward trend during the study period, decreasing from 0.8825 in 2001 to 0.3531 in 2022. According to the four stages divided by the uncoordinated coupling degree between leisure tourism and the ecological environment mentioned earlier, the uncoordinated coupling between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region has experienced changes in three stages: the first stage, from 2001 to 2002, had uncoordinated coupling degrees of 0.8825 and 0.8229, respectively, indicating a high level of uncoordinated coupling, where the state of uncoordinated development between the two was evident; the ecological environment may have suffered significant stress during this stage. During this period, the leisure tourism industry in the Ili region was in its early stages of rapid development, attracting many tourists and investments. However, due to the lag in environmental protection awareness and measures, the rapid development of tourism brought considerable pressure on the ecological environment, leading to a high degree of uncoordinated coupling. Specifically, there may have been issues such as the overdevelopment of tourism resources, environmental pollution, and ecological damage, resulting in a clear lack of coordination between tourism development and the ecological environment. The second stage, from 2003 to 2016, was a stage of continuous decline, with the uncoordinated coupling degree decreasing from 0.7951 in 2003 to 0.5098 in 2016, with an average annual reduction of 2.19%, indicating a stage of difficult uncoordinated coupling. During this stage, as the scale of tourism continued to expand and environmental issues became increasingly prominent, the lli region began to recognize the uncoordinated issues between tourism development and the ecological environment, and gradually strengthened environmental protection and sustainable development measures. This included restricting overdevelopment, enhancing ecological environment protection, promoting transformation, upgrading the tourism industry, and advocating green tourism and ecological tourism. However, due to limitations such as public environmental awareness and technological conditions, contradictions between tourism development and the ecological environment still persisted, requiring further work and adjustment. In the third stage—the rapidly declining stage from 2017 to 2022—the non-coordinated coupling between the two decreased from 0.4882 in 2017 to 0.3531 in 2022, with an average annual reduction of 2.70%, indicating an antagonistic uncoordinated coupling. The decline in this stage may be attributed to the fact that lli has recently allocated greater resources to green development and the construction of an ecological civilization, which has led to increased investment and support in environmental protection technologies, promoting technological progress and innovation capability in the tourism industry. This has reduced the negative impact on the environment through the introduction of more environmentally friendly tourism facilities and the improvement of resource utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, heightened public consciousness of environmental conservation and reinforced policy directives have also resulted in further enhancements in the interconnection between tourism expansion and the ecological milieu. However, despite the positive progress made, the lli region still faces an antagonistic relationship between tourism development and the ecological environment, and it needs to continue working towards achieving a higher level of coordinated development in the future.

4.3.2. Analysis of the Inherent Mechanism of Non-Coordinated Coupling between Leisure Tourism and the Ecological Environment

As previously stated, during the period between 2001 and 2022, leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region exhibited three stages of high-level non-coordinated coupling, run-in non-coordinated coupling, and antagonistic non-coordinated coupling from 2001 to 2022. This coupling belongs to a relatively low-level coupling stage, and has not yet reached the stage of low-level non-coordinated coupling. The non-coordinated coupling mechanisms leading to this phenomenon are as follows:

(1) The fundamental conditions and developmental pressures of the leisure tourism system.

The development of the leisure tourism system in the Ili region is intricately intertwined with its unique natural and cultural resources. From the magnificent scenery of the Tianshan Mountains to the unique Kazakh culture, these elements collectively serve as a robust foundation for leisure tourism. However, with the rapid development of tourism, the leisure tourism system in this region is intricately intertwined with increasingly severe development pressures. Firstly, the quality of leisure tourism resources is a core element of its attractiveness. The Ili region, renowned for its distinctive natural landscapes and profound cultural significance, has become a magnet for numerous tourists. However, the escalating influx of visitors is placing a significant strain on the ecological balance, potentially resulting in issues such as water pollution and damage to vegetation. This presents formidable challenges to the region’s ecological carrying capacity and resilience. Secondly, the improvement in infrastructure represents a crucial guarantee for the development of leisure tourism. In order to cater to the burgeoning tourist influx, the Ili region has consistently augmented its investment in infrastructure development. However, these construction endeavors may potentially engender ecological harm, such as road construction that disrupts the existing vegetation and ecosystems, thereby precipitating environmental degradation. Finally, achieving economic benefits is the goal of leisure tourism development, but in the pursuit of economic benefits it is frequently the case that the protection of the natural environment is overlooked. This myopic behavior may lead to excessive resource utilization and ecological degradation, thereby hindering the sustainable development of recreational tourism.

(2) Vulnerability and resilience of the ecological environment system.

Despite the region’s rich ecological and environmental resources, which present unique opportunities for ecotourism, it is also beset by a myriad of challenges. As a result of global climate change and human activities, the vulnerability of the ecosystems in the Ili region is becoming increasingly evident, as evidenced by a gradual decline in its stability and resilience to external disturbances. This state of ecological environment vulnerability and reduced resilience not only gives rise to frequent ecological environment issues, but also serves to exacerbate the uncoordinated coupling relationship between leisure tourism and the ecological environment. This non-coordinated coupling represents a significant challenge to the sustainable development of leisure tourism, making the contradiction between leisure tourism development and ecological environmental protection increasingly prominent.

(3) Bidirectional interaction mechanism between leisure tourism and the ecological environment.

There is a complex bidirectional interaction mechanism between leisure tourism and the ecological environment. On the one hand, the state of the ecological environment directly impacts the development of leisure tourism. Beautiful natural environments and rich cultural connotations are important factors in attracting tourists. On the other hand, the development of leisure tourism also influences the ecological environment. Tourist activities can disrupt the original ecological environment, through activities such as littering and damaging vegetation. In the state of non-coordinated coupling, this bidirectional interaction mechanism can lead to negative feedback loops. The development of leisure tourism leads to ecological damage, which, in turn, hinders the further advancement of leisure tourism due to the resulting deterioration of the ecological environment. This vicious cycle exacerbates the non-coordinated coupling between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region.

4.3.3. Countermeasures and Suggestions for Leisure Tourism and Ecological Environmental Protection in the Ili Region

In order to improve the non-coordinated coupling between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region, there is a need to reduce negative impacts on the ecological environment and promote the coordinated development of the two systems; the following measures are proposed to optimize the development approach of leisure tourism.

(1) Reinforcing ecological environmental protection and resource management to establish a solid foundation.

Ecological environmental protection represents the initial priority in addressing the uncoordinated coupling situation. To this end, the Ili region should formulate strict environmental protection regulations to ensure that tourism development activities are carried out within the tolerable range of the ecological environment, covering various aspects, such as tourist behavior, tourism facility construction, and tourism activity organization, to minimize their impact on the ecological environment. Simultaneously, it is imperative to augment investment in ecological environmental protection, including financial investment, technical support, and human resource allocation, with the objective of enhancing the efficacy of ecological environmental protection and establishing a foundation for the sustainable development of leisure tourism. The sustainable utilization of leisure tourism resources is crucial, and this goal can be accomplished through the implementation of a systematic and rational planning and management strategy that considers the ecological environment’s carrying capacity and recuperative capacity. Additionally, it is essential to promote the development of ecotourism and green tourism, while facilitating a constructive interaction between tourism and the ecological environment.

(2) Reinforce coordination and management, ensuring harmonious development through the engagement of diverse stakeholders.

The strengthening of coordinated management between leisure tourism and the ecological environment represents a significant measure for the improvement of the uncoordinated coupling situation. It is recommended that the Ili region establish a coordination mechanism between the two sectors, formulate relevant policies and plans, clarify the objectives and tasks of tourism development and ecological environmental protection, and develop specific measures and timetables for achieving them. Concurrently, the monitoring and assessment of the situation should be reinforced, in order to promptly identify and resolve the issues between the two areas, adapting the strategies and measures for tourism development and ecological environmental protection accordingly. Furthermore, the uncoordinated coupling situation between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region necessitates the involvement and contributions of a multitude of stakeholders, including governmental entities, private enterprises, local communities, and tourists, in order to foster a collaborative approach toward achieving coordinated development.

(3) Promoting scientific and technological innovation and international cooperation to enhance the level of development.

Scientific and technological innovation is a significant driving force for promoting the coordinated development of leisure tourism and the ecological environment. The Ili region should improve the efficiency of the utilization of its tourism resources through scientific and technological innovation, thereby mitigating the adverse impact on the ecological environment. This may be achieved, for instance, through the deployment of modern information technology to facilitate intelligent management and the optimal allocation of tourism resources. Furthermore, international cooperation and exchange should be enhanced, with a view to learning from the successful experiences and practices of advanced international regions in the coordinated development of leisure tourism and the ecological environment. The actual situation of the lli region should be taken into account in the implementation of innovative solutions, with a view to improving the level of coordinated development and promoting it within the international arena.

5. Conclusion and Discussion

5.1. Main Conclusions

Leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region constitute a coupled dissipative structure, wherein various subsystems of leisure tourism necessitate the exchange and transformation of materials, energy, etc., with the diverse subsystems of the ecological environment during the process of development. This process entails different states of coordination and non-coordination coupling. Therefore, by employing reverse thinking and problem-diagnosis methods, this study investigates the issue of non-coordinated coupling between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region. The primary research findings are as follows:

(1) The evolution of leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region reveals a fluctuating growth pattern, with an increase from 0.0032 in 2001 to 0.9033 in 2022, exhibiting an average annual growth rate of 4.09%. This pattern is similar to the dynamic changes observed in Xinjiang’s tourism development [29]. In contrast, the level of the ecological environment has undergone distinct stages, compared to leisure tourism. It experienced a rapid increase from an initial point of 0.2372 to 0.3244 between 2001 and 2004, followed by a slight decrease, until reaching a value of 0.3192 by 2008; subsequently, it rose steadily from an initial point of 0.3418 to reach a value of 0.7755 between 2009 and 2022. The reasons behind this change may include the following: firstly, the emphasis on both tourism development and ecological conservation. From 2001 to 2004, with the initial development of tourism, local governments and developers recognized the significance of ecological conservation and implemented a series of measures related to tourism and environmental protection. These measures included greening scenic areas and undertaking ecological restoration projects, thereby promoting improvements in the overall ecological environment. Secondly, from 2005 to 2008, there was mounting pressure from tourism activities, exceeding the carrying capacity of the environment due to rapid growth in the industry and resulting in a decline in the quality of the ecological environment. This further highlights the inherent contradiction and challenge between tourism development and environmental protection. Thirdly, from 2009 until 2022, sustainable tourism policies have been promoted, placing greater emphasis on harmonious coexistence with the ecological environment within the industry. Encouraging ecotourism practices, implementing visitor limitations, strengthening environmental education initiatives, etc., effectively mitigates the adverse impacts caused by tourist activities on ecosystems, while simultaneously fostering the continuous improvement in their quality.

(2) Through the analysis of the degree of coupling coordination between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in the Ili region from 2001 to 2022, it is found that the relationship between them has undergone significant changes. In 2001 and 2002, the uncoordinated coupling degrees of the two were 0.8825 and 0.8229, respectively, higher than 0.8. The degree of coupling coordination remained above 0.8, which was at a high level of the uncoordinated coupling stage, where the ecological environment may suffer from greater stress. During this period, the rapid expansion of the tourism market and the over-exploitation of resources were the main reasons. From 2003 to 2016, the value of the uncoordinated coupling degree decreased continuously, from 0.7951 in 2003 to 0.5098 in 2016, and the relationship between the two entered the run-in and uncoordinated coupling stage; the stress effect of leisure tourism on the ecological environment gradually weakened, with the benign interaction relationship becoming obvious. During this period, the strengthening of environmental protection policies, the promotion of green tourism and ecotourism concepts, and the support of technological progress jointly promoted the improvement of the coupling relationship. During the rapid decline stage from 2017 to 2022, the uncoordinated coupling degree of the two decreased from 0.4882 in 2017 to 0.3531 in 2022, with an average annual decrease of 2.70%, entering the antagonistic uncoordinated coupling stage; the ecological environment was better protected, and the relationship between the two gradually developed in the direction of benign interaction. Strict environmental regulations, scientific planning management, and the broad participation of all sectors of society are the key factors driving change at this stage.

Compared to research conducted in other regions, this study presents similar findings to Yuying Lin’s investigation of Fujian Province in China [45] and Xiaorong He’s exploration of the relationship between tourism and the ecological environment in the Yellow River Basin [46]. These studies indicate a transition from a non-coordinated pathological state to a coordinated benign state, regarding the connection between tourism and the ecological environment. However, what distinguishes this study is its focus on the Ili region, an ecologically sensitive area situated in Western China that serves as an important node city along the Belt and Road Initiative. This study specifically examines leisure tourism as a specific form of tourism. The challenges faced by the Ili region in achieving a balance between leisure tourism development and environmental protection are intricate and variable. Therefore, not only do the conclusions drawn from this study possess universal applicability, they also hold greater significance, by providing valuable practical experience for similar ecologically sensitive areas.

5.2. Policy Implications

Based on the aforementioned research findings, in order to promote leisure tourism development in the Ili region, it is imperative to prioritize the cultivation of leisure activities and types of tourism that align with principles of ecological environmental protection. Specifically, there is a need to fully harness its distinctive natural scenery and ethnic and cultural resources, by meticulously designing and developing ecotourism and cultural tourism products such as eco-hiking, wildlife observation, and immersive experiences in ethnic cultures. These endeavors not only offer tourists enriching and high-quality travel experiences, but also effectively contribute towards the preservation of ecological environments and the perpetuation of ethnic cultures through practical engagement, thereby achieving dual values encompassing both culture and nature.

Furthermore, the Ili region should actively explore the development path of leisure and vacation tourism, such as hot-spring resorts and mountain retreats, in order to cater to the diverse needs of modern tourists seeking relaxation and enjoyment. In this process, meticulous scientific planning and management play a pivotal role in ensuring a harmonious coexistence between tourism activities and the ecological environment. Measures such as rational spatial arrangement and the effective control of tourist flow must be implemented to prevent unnecessary strain on, or damage to, the ecological environment. Simultaneously, enhancing the professional training of individuals engaged in tourism is imperative for improving service skills and professionalism, ultimately elevating the quality of tourism services provided, while augmenting visitor satisfaction.

Furthermore, the significance of environmental conservation efforts as the fundamental pillar for leisure tourism development in the Ili region cannot be overstated. It is imperative to establish a robust ecological environment monitoring system that continuously tracks and evaluates the dynamic trends of the ecosystem, enabling the timely implementation of targeted protection and restoration measures. Given the historical fluctuations in ecological conditions within this region, other areas should draw valuable insights from its experiences and challenges when formulating environmental preservation policies. Emphasizing scientific planning and management, intensified supervision, and enhanced governance of the ecological environment are essential to ensure orderly tourism activities without detrimental impacts on nature. Simultaneously, the proactive promotion of green tourism and ecotourism concepts is crucial in guiding both tourists and tourism enterprises toward fostering an ingrained consciousness regarding ecological conservation. By jointly advancing coordinated development between the tourism industry and environmental preservation, a virtuous cycle can be achieved, while striving for sustainable goals encompassing leisure tourism growth alongside ecological environment protection in the Ili region.

5.3. Limitations and Prospects of the Study

Due to the challenges associated with obtaining the relevant data and statistics, this study focuses solely on the period from 2001 to 2022, and draws conclusions for reference purposes. In order to further elucidate its coupling mechanism, future research may necessitate a longer time-series data analysis and the selection of more comprehensive information from top-level scenic spots for in-depth investigation. Additionally, future studies will explore the inherent connection between leisure tourism coordination/non-coordination and the ecological environment in different scenic spots within the Ili region, based on existing research, aiming to comprehensively unveil the coupling relationship and underlying mechanism between leisure tourism and the ecological environment in Ili.