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Article

Development Path of Macao Tourism Symbiosis Integration from the Configuration Perspective

by
Xianke Li
1,2,
Johnny Fat Iam Lam
2,
Zhicong Lin
3 and
Chongyan Li
2,*
1
School of Economics and Management, Guangzhou College of Applied Science and Technology, Guangzhou 511370, China
2
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, China
3
Department of Public Administration, Party School of the Meizhou Committee of CPC, Meizhou 514071, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8505; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198505
Submission received: 4 September 2024 / Revised: 17 September 2024 / Accepted: 27 September 2024 / Published: 29 September 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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Abstract

:
The concept of symbiotic and integrated development represents the adaptive response of Macao tourism to the necessity of diversified development. It is the inevitable path for Macao tourism to achieve high-quality sustainable development. In accordance with the principles of the symbiosis theory, this paper presents an analytical framework and employs Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to examine the intricate causal processes that simultaneously influence the symbiosis integration development of Macao tourism. The results of the empirical test demonstrate that: (1) The development of Macao tourism symbiosis and integration is influenced by five factors: external policy (EP), regional integration (RI), new digital technology (DT), gaming industry (GI), and cultural element (CE); (2) There are three configuration paths for Macao’s tourism symbiosis, integration, and high-quality development, including an industrial synergy mode, innovation-leading mode, and value-sharing mode; (3) There are two configuration paths formed by the non-high-quality symbiotic integration of Macao tourism, namely, the government absence type and the market failure type; (4) RI and GI are the core conditions for the symbiotic and integrated development of Macao tourism, and there is a certain substitution relationship between EP, DT, and CE. This study advances the academic understanding of the asymmetric causal relationship between various factors and the symbiotic integration of tourism. It enhances the application of the symbiotic theory in the practise of tourism and reveals differences in the path of Macao tourism development under the combination of multiple factors. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the Macao government to optimise the tourism spatial layout and enhance tourism sustainability, build a multi-level “tourism+” symbiotic industrial structure, and establish a modern tourism governance system.

1. Introduction

Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, international tourism has been widely impacted. The decline in tourism has had a significant negative impact on the economic growth of the Macao region. In the three-year period following the onset of the epidemic, the average GDP experienced a 51.42% reduction compared to the level observed in 2019. In 2023, the proportion of Macao’s total passenger consumption in GDP was projected to reach 69.17%, which was nearly equivalent to the level of 72.63% observed in 2019. The recovery of the tourism industry is proceeding at a slow pace, and it is imperative to identify a new path of tourism sustainable development that is aligned with the unique characteristics of Macao. In 2011, the National 12th Five-Year Plan made the inaugural statement that the Central Government and the Macao SAR Government would provide support for the development of Macao into a world tourism and leisure centre, with the goal of promoting diversified economic growth. In the years since, a series of policies have been enacted in accordance with this objective. In 2021, the 14th Five-Year Plan for Tourism Development, issued by the State Council of China, provided further clarification regarding the task and goal of building Macao into a world tourism and leisure centre. In November 2023, the Macao SAR Government published the Moderately Diversified Economic Development Plan of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2024–2028). This document highlighted the necessity for optimising the coordinated development of industries and deepening the interconnected development of regional cooperation. It is evident that consolidating and enhancing the competitive advantages of tourism and proactively integrating them into the broader context of national development [1] are crucial for ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao. The establishment of a symbiotic and integrated tourism development system has emerged as a pivotal element in the promotion of high-quality, sustainable tourism growth within the Macao region.
The existing literature has addressed the sustainable development of Macao’s tourism industry from a number of perspectives. These include urban function positioning [2,3], regional integration [4,5,6], economic structure and industrial coordination [7,8,9], and the resilience of urban tourism [10,11,12]. It is posited by scholars that the distinctive urban landscape, characterised by a harmonious coexistence of Chinese and Western architectural styles, coupled with the unique characteristics of the gaming industry [2,3], contribute to Macao’s notable spatial divergence in tourism competitiveness within the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) [4]. Macao has become a pivotal node in the integrated development of the GBA. The advancement of urban agglomeration tourism has considerably reinforced the interconnectivity of urban communities within the GBA [5,6], thereby reinforcing the region’s overall economic resilience. Conversely, as a gaming city, Macao’s industrial structure is markedly imbalanced, exhibiting a pronounced tendency towards polarisation [7,8]. Some scholars posit that Macao’s tourism industry is overly reliant on gambling, which significantly increases the destination’s vulnerability [10]. This is particularly evident during public crises such as the novel coronavirus epidemic [12].
A number of scholars have identified a range of factors that influence the growth of urban tourism. However, the prevailing analytical approach does not fully capture the complexity of this phenomenon. The development of Macao urban tourism is a complex, systematic process, and the interaction between multiple influencing factors must be taken into account. The symbiotic theory posits that each element should be in a state of dynamic equilibrium, engaging in a process of reciprocal interaction with the objective of achieving value co-creation. This theory plays an instrumental role in comprehensively elucidating the influence mechanism of the symbiotic and integrated development of Macao urban tourism. While numerous scholars have conducted studies from the perspective of symbiosis [13,14,15,16], few have analysed the path differences in Macao tourism development under multiple factors based on the configuration perspective. In light of the shortcomings of the previous development model for Macao tourism, this paper conceptualises Macao tourism development as a complex causal mechanism, whereby multiple factors and conditions are coupled and interact. Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is employed to investigate the configuration path of high-quality sustainable development of Macao tourism from the perspective of symbiosis. This not only offers a valuable contribution to existing theories of Macao urban tourism development, but also provides insights that can inform the development of more nuanced and sophisticated theoretical frameworks. Moreover, it provides empirical evidence that can inform the formulation of a tourism symbiosis and integration development policy by the Macao government, one that is aligned with the specific conditions and circumstances prevailing in the region.

2. Theoretical Basis

2.1. Tourism Symbiosis

The term “symbiosis” was first proposed by the German mycologist Debary (1879). It refers to the coexistence of different species of organisms in a specific material connection, which allows both parties to benefit from the relationship [17]. He postulated that biological evolution is driven by the establishment and evolution of symbiotic relationships [17]. Subsequently, the concept of symbiosis, along with its various forms and modes, has been developed and refined through the detailed examination of numerous scholars [18]. The integration of interdisciplinary research has facilitated the introduction of symbiosis theory into the field of social sciences, with the aim of further developing and enhancing the theory [19,20,21,22]. Yuan (1998) was the first to employ the symbiosis theory research paradigm in its entirety to investigate pertinent issues within the domain of Chinese social sciences [23]. The term “symbiosis” is generally understood to refer to a symbiotic relationship formed by symbiotic units in a specific symbiotic environment, according to a particular symbiotic mode. This relationship is constituted by three elements: the symbiotic unit, the symbiotic mode, and the symbiotic environment [23,24].
As a comprehensive industry, tourism and related industries are mutually beneficial and symbiotic, and the characteristics of cluster development are evident, which aligns with the fundamental tenets of symbiotic theory. In their study, Stringer et al. (1984) highlighted the necessity for tourism research to achieve symbiotic development in conjunction with social psychology [25]. The concept of tourism symbiosis posits that tourism destinations, or symbiosis units, engage in resource-sharing and mutual benefit-sharing within a specific tourism market environment, with the objective of jointly developing tourism products and fostering a harmonious and unified tourism sector. This approach is based on the concept of shared benefits and obligations, with the overarching objective of optimising the collective benefits of tourism [5,26].

2.2. Symbiotic Analysis Framework of Macao Tourism

The symbiosis theory offers a novel framework for examining urban tourism, elucidating the complex interplay of factors that shape the sustainable growth of Macao’s tourism sector. In light of the aforementioned ideas, this study has constructed a symbiosis analysis framework of Macao localisation, based on the principles of the symbiosis theory and the three elements of symbiosis.

2.2.1. Symbiotic Unit

The term “symbiotic unit” is used to describe the fundamental unit that constitutes a symbiotic system or relationship. It is responsible for energy production and exchange and represents the basic material condition and power source of symbiotic system co-evolution. From the perspective of the symbiotic system, all factors affecting the development of urban tourism can be considered symbiotic units. In examining the extant literature [27,28,29,30,31,32], it becomes evident that there are approximately five key factors influencing the development of Macao’s tourism industry. These include the implementation of a pro-Macau policy, the integration of the GBA, the utilisation of novel digital technologies, the fostering of industrial collaboration, and the empowerment of cultural elements. In light of the aforementioned ideas, the symbiotic units of Macao tourism can be defined as follows: external policy (EP), regional integration (RI), new digital technology (DT), gaming industry (GI), and cultural element (CE).

2.2.2. Symbiotic Environment

The term “symbiotic environment” is used to describe all the external factors that establish and maintain symbiotic relationships between symbiotic units. In order to achieve internal and external symbiotic development, the symbiotic environment of the Macao tourism industry must take into account a number of factors, including political, economic, geographical, human, and other factors that affect the symbiotic relationship. By taking Macao as a complete system, it is possible to analyse the symbiotic environment of Macao tourism from both an external and an internal perspective. In particular, the external symbiotic environment of the Macao tourism industry is largely shaped by factors external to the region, including a series of pro-Macau policies enacted by the central government, the extent of the GBA integration, and the degree of DT application. Conversely, the internal symbiotic environment is primarily influenced by factors within the region, such as the level of collaboration between the Macao tourism industry and GI, and the degree of CE’s empowerment of the Macao tourism industry, including intangible cultural heritage, sports events, and research.

2.2.3. Symbiotic Mode

The term “symbiotic mode” or “symbiotic relationships” is used to describe the manner in which symbiotic units interact with each other. The symbiotic model not only reflects the specific mode of interaction between symbiotic units, but also the intensity of this interaction. Furthermore, it reflects the exchange of material information and energy between symbiotic units. Firstly, the behaviour of parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism in the symbiotic model is observed [23]. With regard to the interaction of symbiotic units, Macao tourism is associated with EP parasitism, mutualism with RI and GI, and commensalism with DT and CE. Secondly, the symbiotic pattern exhibits a range of organisational states, including point symbiosis, intermittent symbiosis, continuous symbiosis, and integrated symbiosis [23]. From the perspective of the strength of the symbiotic relationship between the units involved, Macao tourism can be considered to exhibit intermittent symbiosis with EP and DT, continuous symbiosis with RI and CE, and integrated symbiosis with GI.

2.3. Symbiosis Integration Mechanism of Macao Tourism

The practise of Macao tourism development demonstrates that a single factor has a limited impact on the growth of the tourism industry in Macao. The sustainable development of Macao tourism is contingent upon the high-quality symbiotic integration of multiple factors. From a narrow perspective, the high-quality symbiotic and integrated development of Macao tourism requires an improvement in the quality of its tourism products, an enhancement of economic efficiency, an optimisation of the industrial structure of Macao tourism [14,15,16], and an increase in the sustainability of tourism [27,28,29]. From a broader perspective, the high-quality symbiotic and integrated development of Macao tourism necessitates improvements to its tourism functions and benefits [30], an expansion of the depth and breadth of Macao tourism, and the utilisation of its positive external effects in the regional integrated development of the GBA [31,32]. It can be observed that in regard to the configuration path of high-quality symbiotic integration and development of Macao tourism, multiple symbiotic units serve as the foundation, the internal and external symbiotic environment constitutes the condition, and multiple symbiotic modes represent the key [33]. The symbiosis integration mechanism of Macao tourism from the configuration perspective is illustrated in Figure 1.
On EP and Macao tourism: Prior research has demonstrated that Macao tourism is markedly reliant on EP, particularly with regard to the pertinent policies of the mainland [34,35,36,37]. In addition to the preferential Macao policy, other policies are also likely to exert a considerable influence on Macao tourism. For example, some scholars employed the difference-in-difference (DID) model to evaluate the influence of China’s anti-corruption campaign on Macao tourism. Their findings indicated that the more rigorous the anti-corruption campaign, the lower the number of tourists visiting Macao. It is posited that the anti-corruption policy has had a significant inhibitory effect on public-funded gambling activities in Macao [34]. The global tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the global spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the epidemic prevention and control policy of Macao closely follows that of the mainland, the recovery of the tourism industry is subject to fluctuations in accordance with the severity of the epidemic situation in the mainland [35,36]. Furthermore, the policies implemented in response to economic crises and disasters are likely to exert a significant negative influence on Macao tourism [37]. It is evident that the phenomenon of Macao tourism parasitism contributes to the EP, particularly in light of the mainland’s policy of benefiting Macao.
On RI and Macao tourism: The combined impact of anti-globalisation and the spread of the epidemic on the world economy serves to further highlight the vulnerability of the tourism economic system [38]. Since 2019, there has been a notable acceleration in the integration of the GBA, with Guangdong’s average share of mainland visitors rising to 59%. The double source of tourists in Macao is constituted by Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. It can be reasonably argued that RI represents an important means of improving the integration and resilience of the tourism industry [39]. The GBA cities are optimising their industrial structures, increasing financial investment, coordinating Macao urban tourism positioning, enhancing the attractiveness of tourist destinations, optimising the combination of the GBA tourism services and local socio-economic factors [40], and promoting regional economic recovery and high-quality development. Consequently, the symbiotic relationship between Macao tourism and other the GBA cities has undergone a gradual transition from a commensalistic relationship based on competition to a mutualistic relationship of coordinated development.
On DT and Macao tourism: The rapid development of digital content and the increasing popularity of social media have given rise to a new development model, which integrates digital technology (DT) and tourism [41,42]. To illustrate, in April 2024 the Hong Kong Tourism Board and XiaoHongshu entered into a strategic cooperation agreement in the field of cultural tourism. The two parties have expressed their intention to engage in a comprehensive collaborative effort in the domain of cultural tourism in the future. Xiaohongshu will leverage its online platform resources and advantages to assist the HKTB in promoting Hong Kong tourism, thereby initiating the “XiaoHongshu governing Hong Kong” initiative. As outlined by Ma et al. (2023), the symbiotic integration between DT and the tourism industry can be categorised into two distinct modes: the first is a symbiotic mode based on endogenous reciprocity, driven by high technology, and the second is a symbiotic mode based on the expansion of industrial chains and industrial functions [43]. It is evident that the promotion of the symbiosis integration of Macao tourism and DT, in collaboration with the launch of initiatives such as the “Macao Walking Guide” and the city punching strategy, can effectively showcase the core value of Macao tourism content and enhance the public’s understanding of Macao tourism. The objective is to attract a greater number of tourists to Macao.
On GI and Macao tourism: The tourism industry and GI are two of the most significant pillars of the Macao economy. However, at this juncture, the symbiotic relationship between these two sectors has become more evident as a form of parasitism. Some scholars have indicated that Macao GI and tourism will continue to expand in a bipolar manner [8], which has significantly impacted the development of tourism facilities and related industries [44]. From a social perspective, the costs associated with overtourism and gaming have prompted a need for significant revisions to the urban planning of Macao. These revisions should aim to accelerate land reclamation, deepen regional cooperation, and strengthen horizontal diversification [7]. Conversely, the severe impact of the global pandemic on GI has brought to light the vulnerability of Macao’s economy [12]. The imperative to fortify the city’s economic resilience has significantly reinforced the resolve of the Macao government to facilitate the optimal diversification of economic development. It can therefore be expected that as the moderate diversification strategy for the Macao economy progresses, the symbiotic relationship between Macao tourism and GI will evolve into a mutually beneficial one.
On CE and Macao tourism: The integration and symbiotic development of culture and tourism has long been a consensus among scholars in the field. The integration and symbiotic development of Macao culture and tourism are facilitated by DT, which in turn contributes to the diversification of Macao’s tourism industry. Furthermore, the diversification of tourism will ultimately result in a reduction in gambling activities and an increase in non-gambling activities [7], which will further enhance the consumption space for Macao cultural tourism. It has been demonstrated that the multiplier effect of tourist consumption in Macao is approximately 8 times that of the initial expenditure. Furthermore, the experience of cultural tourism has been identified as a key factor in the promotion of tourist consumption [9]. From one perspective, the Macao Historical Urban Area represents a synthesis of Eastern and Western cultural influences, thereby becoming a natural destination for tourists seeking cultural and spiritual experiences [45,46]. Conversely, the preliminary outcomes of the “1 + 4” strategy for Macao indicate an incremental enhancement in the interconnection between culture and sports with Macao tourism [47]. This evidence demonstrates that the profound integration of CE and Macao tourism has played a pivotal role in fostering new consumption patterns among tourists and advancing the diversified growth of consumption.

3. Research Design

3.1. QCA Method

The causal relationship between phenomena is both universal and complex. In light of the constraints imposed by conventional research techniques in elucidating the impact of numerous variables on outcomes, Ragin (1987) advanced the QCA approach as a means of investigating the intricate causal processes at play between variables [48]. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) synthesises the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. On the one hand, it helps to address the limitations of traditional case studies [49], and on the other hand, it provides a valuable complement to the “net effect” analysis of quantitative research [50]. The sample objects of this study are tourists from nine cities in the Pearl River Delta who have taken Macao as their tourist destination. The sample size is sufficient to meet the requirements of the QCA method. fsQCA can use any number between 0 and 1 to identify whether a variable can be observed, which greatly preserves the characteristics of each case and can be better applied to questionnaire survey data. Accordingly, this paper employs the fsQCA method to investigate the intricate causal relationship between Macao’s tourism symbiotic unit and elucidate the trajectory of high-quality symbiosis integration.

3.2. Data Source and Variable Setting

In the actual research, the fsQCA method was employed to collect data using two case data assignment methods and a questionnaire survey [50]. Given the intricate nature of the Macao tourism system, a questionnaire survey was employed to facilitate data collection. It is important to note that the GBA is a national-level regional development strategic plan initiated by China in 2019. It encompasses Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in the Pearl River Delta, namely Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing, which are situated in Guangdong Province. The distribution of urban clusters is illustrated in Figure 2. It is therefore essential to ensure the reliability and availability of the data collected in this study by focusing on a clearly defined and representative sample. The survey objects selected are residents of nine cities in the Pearl River Delta region who have travelled to Macao. These individuals possess a practical understanding of the five key factors influencing Macao symbiotic tourism, simultaneously reflecting the mutual influence of variables. In accordance with the fsQCA method, the number of cases obtained must be greater than or equal to 2 n − 1 , where n represents the number of condition variables. In accordance with the fsQCA method, a minimum of 31 cases is required, given that this study encompasses five condition variables. As this study employed the method of online questionnaire distribution, 168 valid questionnaires were ultimately obtained, which satisfied the coverage requirements of fsQCA. It is important to emphasise that the questionnaire did not involve human clinical trials or animal testing. In addition, all participants have given written informed consent and measures have been taken to ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of the subjects.

3.3. Data Calibration

Calibration of the obtained raw data is a requisite step in the QCA method. In this study, a five-point Likert scale was employed, with 27 questions designed to assess five antecedent variables and one outcome variable. To circumvent the potential for subjective bias in respondents’ responses to a single question, we constructed a series of three to five progressively formulated questions for each of six variables. The resulting average value for each variable was then used to reflect the final results, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the data. For details regarding the specific questionnaire designs, please refer to the supporting information provided in the manuscript. In accordance with the principle of QCA and with reference to the research of other scholars [50,51,52], the 75th, 50th, and 25th percentiles of the final data for each variable have been designated as full membership points, crossing points and completely non-membership points, respectively. The frequency, raw consist, and PRI consist were set to 1, 0.8, and 0.7, respectively, and a truth table was constructed to complete the data calibration. The results are presented in Table 1.

4. Result Analysis

4.1. Necessity Analysis of Individual Condition Variables

In order to prevent the potential for oversimplification during the analysis of the truth table, it is necessary to conduct a necessity analysis of the individual condition variables. In general, the standard for measuring necessity is consistency. A consistency rate exceeding 0.9 indicates that the condition in question is a necessary condition for the result variable [53]. In accordance with the methodology employed by scholars [54], this paper establishes a threshold of 0.9 for the consistency rate, which serves to identify whether a condition is necessary. Table 2 illustrates the necessity analysis results for a single condition variable. As can be observed from the table, for high-quality symbiosis integration, the consistency rate of all single variables is less than 0.9, indicating that single variables are not necessary conditions for high-quality symbiosis integration. It is thus imperative to elucidate the trajectory influencing the advancement of Macao tourism symbiosis integration through configuration analysis. It should be noted that for non-high-quality symbiosis integration, the consistency rate of ~RI exceeds 0.9. It can thus be concluded that low-quality RI is a necessary condition for Macao tourism non-high-quality symbiosis integration, as evidenced by the configuration path of non-high-quality symbiosis integration.

4.2. Configuration Results

The fsQCA3.0 software was employed for the purpose of analysis, and three results were yielded: a parsimonious solution, an intermediate solution, and a parsimonious solution. The intermediate solution represents a synthesis between the potential and actual worlds. With reference to the general practise of scholars [50,51,52,53,54], this paper presents the intermediate solution derived from the fsQCA method. It is important to note that the condition variable that appears in both the intermediate solution and the parsimonious solution is the core condition, whereas the auxiliary condition only appears in the intermediate solution. Table 3 illustrates the specific results, which indicate the existence of three configuration paths of high-quality symbiosis integration and two configuration paths of non-high-quality symbiosis integration.

4.3. Configuration Analysis of High-Quality Symbiosis Integration

4.3.1. Path Analysis

According to the analysis results of fsQCA in Table 3, there are three configuration paths for the development of high-quality symbiosis integration of Macao tourism. The details are as follows:
Industrial synergy mode: Configuration H1, which may be expressed as “~EP*RI*GI”, represents a path that is driven by both internal and external collaborative development. In light of the interactive relationship between regional integration and the gaming industry, it can be designated as the Industrial Synergy Mode, as evidenced by the findings of scholars [4,5,6]. This path may be understood as a situation in which EP is absent, and in which Macao tourism makes overall considerations of the internal and external industrial structure. From the standpoint of the external symbiotic environment, the industrial synergy mode necessitates that Macao proactively align itself with the integration strategy of the GBA, thereby facilitating the tourism industry synergy among urban agglomerations in the region. From the perspective of the internal symbiotic environment, the internal industrial structure of the Macao urban economy should be further optimised in order to coordinate the tourism and gambling industries and form a virtuous cycle of mutualism and symbiosis. The high degree of dependence of the tourism sector on external sources of visitors requires the government of Macao to have a comprehensive understanding of the cyclical relationship between the local tourism cycle and the external business cycle [55]. This necessitates the improvement of the institutional framework for tourism development and the formulation of reasonable counter-cyclical regulatory policies. The coverage of configuration H1 indicates that this path accounts for 29.18% of cases, with 2.91% of cases being explained by this configuration.
Innovation-leading mode: Configuration H2, or “DT*RI*GI”, represents the trajectory of the technology-enabled drive. This mode can be designated as the Innovation-leading Mode, based on the interaction between the three variables of new DT, RI, and GI, as evidenced by the studies of scholars [41,42,43]. This path refers to the utilisation of DT for the purpose of upgrading both the industrial and innovation chains, thereby empowering RI, enhancing GI synergy, and establishing a developmental trajectory characterised by commensalism and mutualism. From the perspective of the symbiosis model, a preference for symbiosis with new digital technologies is likely to result in the emergence of novel forms of tourism or alternative modes of tourism governance. The phenomenon of the “Little Red Book Governing Hong Kong” provides an illustrative example. The new business format and new governance model will significantly enhance the resilience and crisis management capabilities of Macao tourism [56], ultimately forming a path for innovation to spearhead the high-quality sustainable development of the entire symbiosis integration system. H2 coverage demonstrates that this configuration path encompasses 58.58% of cases, with 3.29% of cases being explained by this configuration.
Value-sharing mode: The configuration designated as H3, or “RI*GI*CE”, presents a path that is driven by a multiplicity of elements. In light of the interplay between the three variables of RI, GI, and CE, and considering the findings presented in the studies conducted by scholars [46,47], it can be designated as the Value-sharing Mode. This path refers to the Macao GI and a variety of CE, which collectively enhance the content value of Macao tourism, reinforce the comparative advantage of Macao tourism, and facilitate the differentiated development of other cities in the GBA. This results in a development path of co-construction, sharing, and win–win outcomes. From the perspective of symbiosis strength, the acceleration of the integration process of the GBA, especially in the wake of the global pandemic, has led to a notable strengthening of the industrial coordination level of the Greater Bay Area urban agglomeration. The establishment of multi-level symbiosis systems [47], including research, tourism, culture, and sports tourism, has provided a new impetus for the development of a tourism value-sharing model in Macao. The coverage of configuration H3 indicates that this path accounts for 55.71% of cases, with an additional 3.24% of cases explained by this configuration.

4.3.2. Substitution Relationship Analysis

A comparative analysis of the three high-quality symbiotic integration development configuration paths presented in Table 3 reveals several key similarities and differences. Firstly, RI and GI represent the fundamental symbiotic unit for the development of Macao tourism integration, with RI constituting the core variable condition. This demonstrates that the development strategy of Macao to accelerate its integration into the broader context of national development and actively engage in the GBA construction is both scientific and reasonable. As demonstrated in Table 3, the solution consistency of the three configuration paths reaches 95.91%, thereby indicating that the results are highly persuasive.
Secondly, a specific substitution relationship exists between DT and CE. This demonstrates that in instances where the integration level of Macao tourism and DT symbiosis is inadequate, it can be substituted with symbiosis integration with CE. Similarly, when Macao tourism and CE are unable to achieve effective integration, DT can be employed to facilitate industrial upgrading and promote the integration of the industrial and innovation chains. Figure 3 illustrates the alternative relationship between the prerequisites for high-quality symbiosis integration of Macao tourism.

4.4. Configuration Analysis of Non-High-Quality Symbiosis Integration

4.4.1. Path Analysis

In light of the causal asymmetry of fsQCA, this paper examines the configuration path of non-high-quality symbiosis integration with the aim of providing a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between Macao tourism and five symbiotic units. As evidenced in Table 3, the analysis results of fsQCA indicate that the imbalance of Macao tourism’s symbiosis integration system has resulted in the emergence of non-high-quality symbiosis integration through two configuration paths. The following section provides a detailed account of the aforementioned findings.
In the context of government absence, Configuration N1 represents a typology characterised by the following variables: EP, DT, RI, and GI. This trajectory suggests that the absence of the government in the transformation and upgrading of Macao tourism will result in the development of a low-quality symbiosis integration [6]. From a policy environment perspective, the Macao government is pursuing EP, particularly the pro-Macao policy initiated by the Central Government, which is also a key contributor to RI’s development policy formulation [33]. The inaction of the Macao government in the policy environment will result in a weakening of the comparative advantage of Macao tourism. From another perspective, the digital upgrading of tourism infrastructure is contingent upon the favourable support of the government, while the healthy development of GI is inextricably linked to the effective supervision and support of the government. The Macao government reinforces the interdependence of Macao tourism with other industries through industrial coordination. It can be concluded, therefore, that the absence of the Macao government will result in the non-high-quality symbiosis integration of Macao tourism. The N1 configuration path accounts for 66.39% of cases, while 49.34% of cases can be explained by this configuration.
Configuration N2 represents a market failure type, designated as DT*~RI*~GI*~CE. This path indicates that even if DT enables the upgrading of the whole industry [29], if an efficient market cannot be formed, Macao tourism will hardly shift from commensalism to the coordinated development of mutualism in the region. Furthermore, it will also be difficult to form a synergy with GI and CE to jointly promote the integrated development of Macao cultural tourism. The coverage of N2 shows that this configuration path covers 27.98% of cases, and 10.93% of cases can be explained by this configuration.

4.4.2. Substitution Relationship Analysis

A comparative analysis of the two non-high-quality symbiotic integration development configuration paths presented in Table 3 reveals several key similarities and differences. Firstly, the primary factors contributing to the suboptimal integration of symbiosis are ~RI and ~GI, with ~GI emerging as the core variable. As evidenced in Table 3, the solution consistency of the two configuration paths reaches 93.27%, indicating a high level of reliability and explanatory power.
Secondly, a substitution relationship exists between ~EP and ~CE. In particular, when both ~RI and ~GI are present, ~EP or ~CE will result in the non-high-quality and unsustainable development trap of Macao tourism symbiosis. Figure 4 illustrates the substitution relationship among the prerequisites of non-high-quality symbiosis integration in Macao tourism.
In conclusion, the asymmetric analysis demonstrates the necessity of integrating Macao tourism with RI and GI symbiosis, as well as the significant role of EP, DT, and CE in the advancement of high-quality symbiosis integration. In light of the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that the causal mechanism of the symbiosis integration system, comprising five symbiotic units, exerts a multi-faceted influence on the high-quality development trajectory of Macao tourism symbiosis integration.

4.5. Robust Analysis

In order to prevent the empirical analysis of the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method from being influenced by the subjective judgments of researchers, it is essential to conduct a robustness test. In accordance with the research conducted by scholars [53,54], the anchor point of the fuzzy set was set at the 90th, 50th, and 10th percentiles, and the frequency, raw consistency, and PRI consistency were set at 1, 0.8, and 0.7, respectively, for the purposes of conducting the robustness test. The fsQCA results, after adjustment, indicate the presence of three paths exhibiting high-quality symbiosis integration and two paths exhibiting non-high-quality symbiosis integration. Table 4 presents the results of the document analysis. A comparison of Table 3 and Table 4 reveals that the configurations of the five paths are largely similar, indicating that the configuration results are robust. It should be noted that the results presented in Table 4 indicate that both ~RI and ~GI are core variables of the non-high-quality symbiosis integration path.

5. Conclusions

5.1. Research Summary

This paper is based on the symbiotic theory and establishes an analytical framework. It uses the fsQCA method to explore the influence mechanism of five symbiotic units on the development of Macao tourism symbiosis integration. It also analyses the asymmetric causality of the configuration path and identifies the substitution relationship between the preconditions. The principal conclusions are as follows:
  • The necessity analysis of individual conditions indicates that EP, DT, RI, GI, and CE are not significantly necessary for the high-quality development of Macao tourism symbiosis integration. This suggests that the integration of Macao tourism under a single condition has a limited impact on the development of high-quality symbiosis integration.
  • Three configuration paths have been identified as offering the optimal means of achieving high-quality development of Macao tourism symbiosis integration. These include the industrial synergy mode, innovation-leading mode, and value-sharing mode. The key symbiotic unit for the integration and development of Macao tourism symbiosis is RI and the GI, with RI representing the core variable condition.
  • In addition to “~RI”, the presence of other preconditions alone results in a weak interpretation of the non-high-quality development of Macao tourism symbiosis integration. The absence of multiple factors gives rise to the formation of a non-high-quality symbiosis integration in Macao tourism. This can be understood to occur along two configuration paths: firstly, in the absence of government action, and secondly, in the context of market failure.
  • A comprehensive examination of the configuration path reveals that RI and the GI represent the fundamental conditions for the integration of Macao tourism symbiosis. Additionally, there is a discernible substitution relationship between EP, DT, and CE.

5.2. Shortcomings

Previous studies have primarily concentrated on examining the net effect of a singular factors on the integration and development of Macao tourism symbiosis [8,34,40,44,47]. However, there has been a paucity of attention devoted to the intricate interaction mechanisms and correlations among the diverse conditions that exist within the system. The process of symbiosis integration development can be conceptualised as a complex system engineering endeavour, wherein the influence of multiple factors on the outcome is not necessarily linear or unidirectional. An investigation into the comprehensive mechanism of symbiotic unit interaction is more consistent with the prevailing operational principles of Macao tourism symbiosis integration. However, it should be noted that the data presented in this paper have been derived from a questionnaire survey of Macao tourism tourists. Consequently, there may be a number of common method biases, as well as potential discrepancies between subjective feelings and objective facts. Furthermore, although the fsQCA method is advantageous for elucidating the intricate mechanisms underlying the integration and development of Macao tourism symbiosis, the potential intermediary relationships between the variables remain underexplored.

5.3. Revelations

While this study is not without limitations, its findings offer valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of Macao tourism. In light of the aforementioned findings, the research conclusions of this paper can provide the Macao government with policy guidance in three key areas: Firstly, it is recommended that the industrial synergy model be followed, with active integration into the GBA to facilitate upgrading and symbiotic integration with the region, with the objective of enhancing the tourism competitiveness of Macao. The GBA comprises 11 cities, each of which possesses a distinctive set of core advantages [57]. The geographical proximity, economic and social convergence, and historical and cultural convergence of the GBA render it not only a geographical concept, but also a cultural one. In light of the aforementioned considerations, it becomes evident that the coordinated development of the tourism industry within the region, shaped by the prevailing cultural context, offers a compelling opportunity for Macao tourism to integrate into the regional synergy development of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao [58]. Furthermore, this integration provides a crucial avenue for the optimisation of Macao’s industrial structure, which is instrumental in fortifying the city’s competitive edge as a world tourism and leisure hub.
Secondly, new forms of tourism should be explored with a view to promoting upgrades and symbiosis integration with multicultural elements, with a view to improving the quality and efficiency of Macao tourism. Furthermore, this strategy should be directed towards the transformation of Macao’s tourism sector into a value-sharing model. There is a strong interconnection between cultural resources and tourism resources. The cultural and tourism industries in Macao are inextricably linked [59]. The deep integration of the two will enrich market supply, further improve market mechanisms, optimise tourism services, form an efficient market, and promote the high-quality sustainable development of Macao tourism. The essence of culture is the sharing of values. It is therefore evident that the rich cultural heritage resources of Macao provide a vast opportunity for the value sharing inherent to Macao tourism. The Second Five-Year Plan for the Economic and Social Development of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2021–2025) provides further clarification on the overarching concept of integrating the development of Macao’s tourism symbiosis. This entails combining the advantages of the world tourism and leisure centre with those of the cooperation zone to jointly develop tourism routes and products. It is recommended that joint tourism, cultural, and sporting events be held with the GBA city, that a cultural tourism exhibition and trade industry be developed, and that new formats of cultural tourism be explored. Consequently, Macao boasts a plethora of cultural heritage resources and a vast potential for emerging cultural development. Thirdly, it is recommended that new digital technologies be employed in order to facilitate the creation of an innovation-leading model for Macao tourism, with the objective of enhancing the quality of the Macao tourism service experience. The digital empowerment of tourism is an important driver of high-quality sustainable development, with the potential to reshape the foundation of value and value creation in the sector. It is recommended that the Macao government assume the role of a “government with presence,” providing relevant policy support, strengthening the construction of Macao’s digital infrastructure, and improving the cultural empowerment, scenic spot empowerment, and ecological empowerment mechanisms of digital empowerment. This approach could enhance urban tourism performance [60]. The new mode, which is led by technological innovation, is establishing a brand-new tourism ecology. It is accelerating the digital transformation and sustainable development of Macao tourism, and it is promoting smart tourism to become an important force for the innovative development of Macao tourism.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/su16198505/s1.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, C.L. and J.F.I.L.; methodology, X.L. and Z.L.; software, C.L. and Z.L.; formal analysis, C.L. and J.F.I.L.; data curation, X.L.; writing—original draft, X.L. and C.L.; writing—review and editing, X.L. and J.F.I.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by Macao Polytechnic University [RP/ESCHS-02/2021] and the Guangdong Office of Philosophy and Social Science [GD22YYJ10].

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Research Committee of Macao Polytechnic University (Ref. no:017/Verification-DEI/2024, Date: 11 September 2024).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article or the supplementary materials (S1-data File (CSV)).

Acknowledgments

We are thankful for the suggestions and efforts from the reviewers and editors.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Symbiosis integration mechanism of Macao tourism from the configuration perspective.
Figure 1. Symbiosis integration mechanism of Macao tourism from the configuration perspective.
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Figure 2. Distribution of the GBA urban agglomeration.
Figure 2. Distribution of the GBA urban agglomeration.
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Figure 3. The substitution relationship between the configuration paths of high-quality symbiosis integration in Macao tourism. Note: The solid line represents the variable in question. The two variables enclosed within the dotted line are subject to a substitution relationship, which implies that only one of the two variables is necessary. The same applies below in Figure 4.
Figure 3. The substitution relationship between the configuration paths of high-quality symbiosis integration in Macao tourism. Note: The solid line represents the variable in question. The two variables enclosed within the dotted line are subject to a substitution relationship, which implies that only one of the two variables is necessary. The same applies below in Figure 4.
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Figure 4. Substitution relationship between configuration paths of non-high-quality symbiosis integration in Macao tourism.
Figure 4. Substitution relationship between configuration paths of non-high-quality symbiosis integration in Macao tourism.
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Table 1. Results of data calibration.
Table 1. Results of data calibration.
TypeTarget SetFull Membership Points Crossing PointsCompletely Non-Membership Points
Result variableSymbiosis integration (SI)4.84.03.8
Condition variableExternal policy (EP)4.34.03.3
New digital technology (DT)4.34.03.5
Gaming industry (GI)4.74.03.7
Regional integration (RI)4.84.33.9
Cultural element (CE)4.33.83.3
Table 2. Results of necessity analysis.
Table 2. Results of necessity analysis.
Condition VariableResult Variable
High-Quality Symbiosis IntegrationNon-High-Quality Symbiosis Integration
ConsistencyCoverageConsistencyCoverage
EP0.64750.81900.37810.3682
~EP0.50050.51110.81420.6401
DT0.75000.79840.42240.3462
~DT0.38580.46450.75400.6990
RI0.74530.91970.24010.2282
~RI0.37450.39030.91540.7345
GI0.87390.90850.43680.3496
~GI0.37440.46340.88570.8439
CE0.71560.85200.32470.2977
~CE0.41010.44100.83850.6942
Note: The conditions and outcome with the symbol “~” mean low, and the ones without “~” mean high.
Table 3. Results of fsQCA.
Table 3. Results of fsQCA.
Condition VariableHigh-Quality Symbiosis IntegrationNon-High-Quality Symbiosis Integration
H1H2H3N1N2
EP⭙ ⭙
DT · ⭙·
RI●●●⭙⭙
GI···⨂⨂
CE · ⭙
Raw coverage0.29180.58580.55710.66390.2798
Unique coverage0.02910.03290.03240.49340.1093
Consistency0.98160.95830.97560.94770.9158
Solution coverage0.67460.7733
Solution consistency0.95910.9327
Note: “●” indicates the existence of core conditions in the combination, and “·” indicates the existence of auxiliary conditions; “⨂” means the core condition is absent; “⭙” indicates absence of auxiliary conditions; a space indicates that a condition may be present or absent; “Raw coverage” indicates the adequacy of the combination of conditions; “Net coverage” indicates the necessity of a combination of conditions. The same applies below in Table 4.
Table 4. Configuration paths for robust analysis.
Table 4. Configuration paths for robust analysis.
Condition VariableHigh-Quality Symbiosis IntegrationNon-High-Quality Symbiosis Integration
H1H2H3N1N2
EP⭙ ⭙
DT · ⭙·
RI●●●⨂⨂
GI···⨂⨂
CE · ⭙
Raw coverage0.41300.61350.61180.74750.3879
Unique coverage0.02360.02900.03170.38820.0285
Consistency0.98770.97660.98890.95840.9206
Solution coverage0.71340.7761
Solution consistency0.97660.9429
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Li, X.; Lam, J.F.I.; Lin, Z.; Li, C. Development Path of Macao Tourism Symbiosis Integration from the Configuration Perspective. Sustainability 2024, 16, 8505. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198505

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Li X, Lam JFI, Lin Z, Li C. Development Path of Macao Tourism Symbiosis Integration from the Configuration Perspective. Sustainability. 2024; 16(19):8505. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198505

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Li, Xianke, Johnny Fat Iam Lam, Zhicong Lin, and Chongyan Li. 2024. "Development Path of Macao Tourism Symbiosis Integration from the Configuration Perspective" Sustainability 16, no. 19: 8505. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198505

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