Coordinated Development of Sports Tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing Region of China

Abstract

As an important region in western China, the Chengdu–Chongqing region has rich sports tourism resources and huge development potential. Based on relevant prior studies and the principle of data collectability, a sports tourism evaluation index system was constructed from four aspects: overall scale, market entity, development foundation, and government support. Using the coupled coordination model, the trend of the coordination and evolution of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region from 2015 to 2020 was analyzed, and the primary obstacles affecting the coordinated development of sports tourism were identified through the obstacle degree model. The results show that sports tourism in Chengdu and Chongqing achieved great success based on the geographical environment, sports resources, and policy support. However, problems such as imperfect sports tourism infrastructure, unbalanced regional development, insufficient industrial integration, and shortage of professional talents have restricted the further development of the industry. This study holds that the Chengdu–Chongqing region can achieve high-quality and coordinated development of sports tourism by strengthening urban integration, expanding open cooperation, enhancing further industrial agglomeration, boosting policy support, and improving transportation networks. The findings offer insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to leverage sports tourism for economic and social benefits in similar regions.

1. Introduction

In the context of globalization, regional integration and economic performance are closely related [1]. As a significant member in the global economy, China is actively responding to this trend by implementing a series of regionally coordinated development strategies. Chengdu and Chongqing, located in southwestern China, are key node cities of the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the Yangtze River Economic Belt [2]. The region has excellent ecological potential, rich energy and mineral resources, dense towns, and diverse scenery. It is the region with the densest population, the strongest industrial foundation, the strongest innovation ability, the broadest market space, and the highest degree of openness in western China. It plays an important role in the overall development of China [3]. Figure 1 shows its geographical location. According to the “2023 Chongqing Tourism Statistics Bulletin” [4], Chongqing has 294 A-level scenic spots, 1010 travel agencies, 124 star-rated hotels, and 2.5866 million tourism employees. Chengdu has 101 A-level scenic spots. In 2019, the total tourism revenue of the Chengdu–Chongqing economic circle reached CNY 1.57 trillion, accounting for 23.6% of China’s total tourism revenue [5], which shows its importance.

Relying on its rich natural resources, the Chengdu–Chongqing region has opened a number of well-known sports tourist attractions and sports tourism routes, such as Dujiangyan City Hongkou Scenic Area, Changshou Lake Tourist Resort, Nanchuan Jinfo Mountain Great Loop Sports Tourism Route, and Chengdu Jintang National Mountaineering and Fitness Trail wait. Relying on these beautiful natural environments, the Chengdu–Chongqing region has developed various forms of outdoor sports such as skiing, rafting, rock climbing, and hiking, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. At the same time, the Chengdu–Chongqing region, as a key construction area in western China, has a solid economic foundation, rich traditional culture, and abundant sports resources. It has held a number of well-known sports events, such as Chongqing Yunyang Landscape Triathlon, China Go Southwest Chess King Sai, etc. The opening of these events and scenic spots has promoted the development of sports tourism in Chengdu and Chongqing regions. However, the development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region has problems such as imperfect infrastructure [6], unbalanced regional development [7], insufficient industrial integration [8], and shortage of professional talents. Moreover, due to similar topography, cultural background, and customs, the homogeneity of sports tourism projects is significant. These problems all restrict further developments in the industry.

The development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region is highly significant. It not only boosts domestic demand and drives economic growth but also takes advantage of the region’s policy support, infrastructure, and rich natural and cultural resources. All benefits, in turn, improve the quality of life for local residents and contribute to the adoption of healthier lifestyles. Moreover, to tackle challenges like regional development imbalances and issues of homogenization, it is essential to embrace innovative, coordinated, sustainable, open, and inclusive developing strategies. These efforts will ensure the high-quality, integrated growth of sports tourism in the region.

Current research on sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region primarily focuses on policy analysis and the development of strategic pathways. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that consider sports tourism from an overarching perspective, particularly in relation to regional coordinated development. Furthermore, the predominant research methods are literature review and logical analysis, with a limited application of quantitative analysis and other methodologies. This shortfall affects the empirical feasibility and practical applicability of the research findings.

The purpose of this article is to explore the coordinated developmental model and path of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region of China in greater depth. In particular, this study will develop a comprehensive sports tourism evaluation index system to quantitatively evaluate the current situation of sports tourism in the Chengdu and Chongqing regions. This paper uses the coupling coordination model to analyze the coupling coordination degree and its evolution trend of sports tourism in the Chengdu and Chongqing regions from 2015 to 2020. In addition, through the obstacle degree model, the key obstacles affecting the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu and Chongqing regions are identified. Based on the research results, practical development strategies and policy suggestions are put forward, hoping to provide theoretical guidance and practical specimen for the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region and even other similar regions.

This study focuses on how scientific planning and policy guidance can foster differentiated development and complementary cooperation in sports tourism between Chengdu and Chongqing, considering the distinct sports tourism resources and varying stages of development in both areas. This approach aims to prevent homogenized competition [9] and to generate coordinated development effects.

2. Theoretical Background

Sports tourism is a social, economic, and cultural phenomenon that arises from the unique interaction among activities, people, and places [10]. As an emerging service industry, sports tourism represents the intersection and integration of sports and tourism, encompassing travel for people to watch and participate in various sports activities. Moreover, sports tourism has entered a period of rapid development with the rise of major international sporting events, such as the Olympics and the World Cup. These events attract audiences and participants all over the world. Other than watching competitions, they can explore the host country’s culture and landscapes, which promotes the growth of the sports tourism market. In essence, sports tourism is a form of tourism [11] characterized by its ability to satisfy tourists’ desire for leisure and recreation while achieving other goals, such as physical health [12], skill enhancement, and cultural exchange. Sports tourism encompasses various forms, such as active sports tourism, which involves traveling to participate in sports activities; event sports tourism, which involves traveling to watch sports events; and nostalgic sports tourism, which includes visiting sports museums, famous sports venues, and sports-themed cruises [13]. Further subdivisions include complementary sports tourism, sports participation tourism, sports training tourism, sports event tourism, and luxury sports tourism [10].

Research on sports tourism has focused primarily on nostalgia tourism studies, risk perception in sports tourism, the development of sports tourism events, and the sustainable development of sports tourism [14]. Additionally, sports tourism research has focused on various aspects, including integration strategies of sports tourism related to cultural heritage [15], the impact of 5G technology on sports tourism development models [16], the impact of sports events on local economies [17], and the ecological environment protection and social responsibility of sports tourism destinations [18]. Such studies aimed to promote the refined, distinctive, and high-quality development of the sports tourism industry on both theoretical and practical levels [19].

Firstly, it can promote economic development. The impact of sports tourism on the economy is profound and multifaceted, influencing various sectors and contributing to overall economic growth. Sports tourism can be defined as travel that involves participating in or observing sports events, which generates significant economic benefits for host communities and regions [20]. Such growth is particularly evident in regions that host large-scale sporting events, which can diversify tourism products and enhance local economies through visitors spending on accommodations, food, and entertainment [21]. Additionally, the multiplier effect of tourism includes stimulating employment and improving income levels, particularly in less developed areas where economic opportunities may be limited [22]. This is crucial as tourism-related industries often provide alternative income sources that contribute to economic sustainability [23].

Furthermore, the hospitality sector, training facilities, and sports supplies industries are among the subsectors that significantly benefit from sports tourism [24]. The influx of tourists for sporting events creates demand for goods and services, which can stimulate local economies and lead to increased employment opportunities [25].

Secondly, it can promote infrastructure improvement. The relationship between sports tourism and infrastructure development is multifaceted, involving improvements in transportation, facilities, and overall urban planning that can significantly benefit local communities. Safdel et al. emphasized that the development of sports tourism is contingent upon the availability of essential resources and infrastructure, including transportation capabilities and sports facilities that meet national and international standards [26]. Kim et al. argued that hosting large-scale sporting events typically results in improvements to infrastructure, including enhancements to transportation systems and upgrades to facilities [27]. Dong emphasized that major sporting events can lead to significant upgrades in local tourism infrastructure, which not only benefits the event itself but also enhances the overall tourism experience of future visitors [28]. This perspective is supported by Guan, who noted that improving the physical infrastructure of sports tourism destinations is essential for enhancing service quality and increasing tourist satisfaction [29].

In terms of community support, the positive socio-economic impacts of sports tourism are often endorsed by local communities, which view these events as beneficial to their economic conditions [30]. For instance, the Anan baseball town promotion project has enhanced the city’s visibility and increased participation in activities through the implementation of distinctive community development strategies. Specifically, this project has improved local infrastructure and attracted a significant number of tourists and participants by hosting various baseball competitions and events. This has stimulated local economic development while also strengthening community cohesion and residents’ sense of belonging [31]. In South Sumatra, sports tourism has been shown to transform and promote economic growth, generate income, reduce poverty, and expand opportunities [32]. The development of sports tourism in Machakos County, Kenya, has initiated a series of specific initiatives that have led to improvements in infrastructure, increased economic benefits, enhanced community cohesion, enriched socio-cultural exchanges, elevated community visibility, and expanded knowledge and entertainment opportunities. However, the growth of sports tourism has also given rise to several negative impacts, including economic costs, traffic issues, security risks, environmental concerns, and social conflicts. With proper planning and management, these adverse effects can be effectively mitigated, thereby facilitating sustainable development in sports tourism [21].

In conclusion, sports tourism serves as a catalyst for economic development, fostering infrastructure improvements, employment, and community engagement. Its multifaceted impacts highlight the importance of strategic planning and investment in sports tourism as means to enhance local economies and promote sustainable growth.

Currently, sports tourism faces numerous challenges and issues. Although it is a rapidly growing sector, there are a myriad of obstacles that can hinder its development and sustainability. One of the most pressing challenges is the inadequacy of infrastructure. As highlighted by Yusmawati et al., many regions lack the necessary facilities and resources to support sports tourism effectively, including transportation, accommodations, and sports venues [33]. The deficiency not only limits the capacity of hosting large-scale events but also adversely affects the experience of tourists. Environmental sustainability presents another considerable challenge to sports tourism. The rapid increase in tourist numbers can lead to environmental degradation, particularly in sensitive areas. As noted by Raso, the planning and holding of sports events must take into account their environmental impact to ensure long-term sustainability [34]. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced additional complexities to the sports tourism landscape. Research by Mirehie and Cho indicated that the pandemic has created both short- and long-term challenges, including reduced travel demand, health and safety concerns, and the necessity for comprehensive crisis management strategies [35].

Furthermore, coordination among various stakeholders—event organizers, local governments, and tourism operators—remains a significant challenge. Markus et al. emphasized that establishing closer links among these groups is essential for enhancing the social and economic benefits of sports tourism [36]. Without effective collaboration, the potential for sports tourism to contribute to local economies and communities is diminished.

There is an inherent connection between sports and tourism [37]. Investigating the coordination of these two industries as they integrate enables a more precise understanding and analysis of their current integration status and existing issues. Meanwhile, this approach helps to fill the research gap in the theoretical and practical pathways for the coordinated development of the sports tourism industry in existing studies.

3. Research Questions

In the context of current research trends and the geographical characteristics of the Chengdu–Chongqing region, this study investigates the intersection and integration of sports and tourism based on the regional economic integration of the Chengdu–Chongqing area and constructs a sports tourism evaluation index system. Using data from previous years, the coupling coordination degree and obstacle degree of sports tourism in the two cities are calculated, and future development strategies are proposed.

Based on the above content, this study proposes three research questions:

• What are the characteristics of the evolution of sports tourism development in the Chengdu–Chongqing region?
• How did the coupling coordination degree of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region change from 2015 to 2020?
• What are the primary obstacles impacting the development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region?

4. Methods

In this study, we employ a variety of methods to comprehensively evaluate the coordination and influencing factors of the sports tourism system in the Chengdu–Chongqing region. These methods include the entropy method, coupled coordination model, and obstacle model. Although these methods function independently, they complement each other in the research process and collectively construct a comprehensive analytical framework.

4.1. Entropy Method

The entropy method, grounded in the principles of information entropy theory, is a multi-criteria decision analysis technique that ascertains the role of each index by quantifying the informational content included in the values of the respective indices. In this study, the entropy method was used to obtain the comprehensive score of sports tourism in Chengdu and Chongqing from 2015 to 2020, which analyzes the development trends of sports tourism in the region. This “comprehensive score” serves as an indicator for assessing the overall development status of the sports tourism system. The formula was expressed as follows.

The range method was used to standardize the original matrix x to obtain the matrix $z_{ij}^{\mathrm{‘}}$. where, i represents the year, and j represents the indicator (Same below).

$$z_{ij}^{\mathrm{‘}}={\displaystyle \frac{x_{ij}-x_j^{min}}{x_j^{max}-x_j^{min}}}$$

(1)

We calculated the proportion $P_{ij}$ of the value of the i-th object under the j-th indicator to this indicator.

$$P_{ij}=z_{ij}/\sum _{i=1}^n{z}_{ij},\left(j=1,2,\cdots ,m\right)$$

(2)

We calculated the entropy value $E_j$ of the j-th indicator.

$$E_j=-{\displaystyle \frac{1}{\mathrm{l}\mathrm{n}n}}\sum _{i=1}^n{P}_{ij}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{n}{ P}_{ij},\left(j=1,2,\cdots ,m\right)$$

(3)

As shown, $\ln P_{ij}$ is the natural logarithm of the probability of the j-th indicator in the i-th object. The weight $W_j$ of the j-th indicator was calculated.

$$W_j=G_j/\sum _{j=1}^m{G}_j$$

(4)

As shown, $G_j$ is the difference coefficient of the j-th indicator, which is obtained by subtracting the entropy value $E_j$ from 1. Finally, the comprehensive score $F_i$ is calculated through the weight $W_j$ and the normalized matrix $Z_{ij}$.

$$F_i=\sum _{j=1}^m{W}_j{z}_{ij}$$

(5)

$F_i$ represents the comprehensive score of the sports tourism system in the Chengdu–Chongqing regions. The entropy method provides a basic quantification of system complexity and offers initial data processing for the coupled coordination models and obstacle models.

4.2. Coupling Coordination Degree Model

Coupling is a concept in physics that referred to the energy transfer between circuits [38]. With the development of interdisciplinary studies, coupling has gradually been applied to measure the interaction and mutual influence between two or more systems [39] and is widely used in economics, management, and sociology research. This study uses the coupling coordination model to obtain the coupling coordination degree and coordination trend of sports tourism in Chengdu and Chongqing from 2015 to 2020. The formula was expressed as follows.

First of all, the coupling degree $C$ is obtained by calculating the ratio of the geometric mean to the arithmetic mean.

$$C={\left({\displaystyle \frac{\prod _{i=1}^n{F}_i}{{\left(\frac{1}{n}{\Sigma }_{i=1}^n{F}_i\right)}^n}}\right)}^{{\displaystyle \frac{1}{n}}}$$

(6)

As shown, $n$ is the number of subsystems, $F_i$ is the comprehensive score of each subsystem, and the distribution interval is [0, 1]. The larger the value, the higher the comprehensive score, which represents the development trend of sports tourism in Chengdu and Chongqing from 2015 to 2020. The interval of the coupling degree $C$ is also [0, 1]. The larger the $C$ value, the smaller the degree of dispersion between subsystems and the higher the coupling degree, and, conversely, the lower the coupling degree between subsystems.

In addition, the comprehensive coordination index $T$ is obtained through weighted summation.

$$T=\sum _{i=1}^n{\alpha }_i\times F_i, \sum _{i=1}^n{\alpha }_i=1$$

(7)

As shown, ${\alpha }_i$ is the weight of the i-th subsystem, generally set to equal weights, hence ${\alpha }_i$= 0.5. Finally, the coupling coordination degree $D$ is calculated.

$$D=\sqrt{C\times T}$$

(8)

This paper adopts the coupling coordination degree evaluation standards proposed by Wang et al. [40], as shown in

Table 1. Coupling coordination degree evaluation standards.

Coupling Coordination Interval	Grade	Coupling Coordination Type	Coupling Coordination Interval	Grade	Coupling Coordination Type
[0.0, 0.1)	1	Severe Imbalance	[0.5, 0.6)	6	Barely Coordinated
[0.1, 0.2)	2	High Imbalance	[0.6, 0.7)	7	Primary Coordination
[0.2, 0.3)	3	Moderate Imbalance	[0.7, 0.8)	8	Intermediate Coordination
[0.3, 0.4)	4	Mild Imbalance	[0.8, 0.9)	9	Good Coordination
[0.4, 0.5)	5	On the Brink of Imbalance	[0.9, 1.0]	10	High-Quality Coordination

.

4.3. Obstacle Degree Model

The obstacle degree model identifies the key factors that significantly impact system goals by quantifying the deviation and contribution of each evaluation index to these goals [41]. A higher obstacle value for these factors indicates a greater hindrance to achieving system goals, allowing them to be classified as obstacle factors. For instance, Wang et al. constructed an urban energy, economic, and environmental system and discovered, through the obstacle degree model, that three indicators—the proportion of thermal power generation, the growth rate of the total output value of the tertiary industry, and the industrial water reuse rate—are the primary obstacles to the system’s development [42]. In this study, the obstacle degree model will be utilized to pinpoint the obstacles hindering the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region, thereby facilitating the formulation of effective strategies to overcome these challenges. The formula was expressed as follows.

The standardized matrix $x$ and global weight $W_j$ are calculated through the entropy method. The standardized matrix is used to calculate the index deviation $I$, which represents the gap between the actual value of the indicator and the optimal value.

$$I=1-x$$

(9)

The indicator obstacle degree $O_{ij}$ is calculated as follows:

$$O_{ij}={\displaystyle \frac{W_j{I}_{ij}}{\sum _{j=1}^n{W}_j{I}_{ij}}}$$

(10)

By thoroughly applying the entropy method, the coupled coordination model, and the obstacle degree model, we can effectively evaluate the development of sports tourism in the Chengdu and Chongqing regions. These models not only benefit learning about the development trends of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing area but also evaluate the coordination between the two regions and identify obstacles that may hinder coordinated development. Through the comprehensive application of these models, we can propose effective improvement measures to enhance the overall development level of sports tourism and achieve research goals.

4.4. Data Source

Due to the inadequacy in sports industry statistics and the missing data in the tourism sector influenced by the three-year pandemic, the analysis ultimately uses relevant data from 2015 to 2020. The relevant data sources are as follows:

The Total Scale of the Sports Industry is sourced from the “Announcement of the Total Scale and Added Value of the Sports Industry in Chengdu” and the “Announcement of the Total Scale and Added Value of the Sports Industry in Chongqing”.

Sports Lottery Sales sourced from the “China Sports Yearbook” (https://www.olympic.cn/museum/zgtynj/ (accessed on 4 November 2024)).

The indicators, including Total Tourism Revenue, Domestic Tourism Revenue, Tourism Foreign Exchange Revenue, Number of Domestic Tourist Visits, Number of Inbound Overseas Tourists, Passenger Transport Volume, Number of Employees in the Sports and Entertainment Industry, Gross Regional Product, Per Capita Disposable Income, and Number of Enrolled University Students, were sourced from the “Chengdu Statistical Yearbook”, https://cdstats.chengdu.gov.cn/cdstjj/c178732/list.shtml (accessed on 4 November 2024); the “Chongqing Statistical Yearbook”, https://tjj.cq.gov.cn/zwgk_233/tjnj/ (accessed on 2 November 2024); and the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development’s “2010–2022 Chongqing Tourism Related Data”, https://whlyw.cq.gov.cn/sjfb/202307/t20230712_12144584.html (accessed on 2 November 2024).

Sports Department Revenue, Financial Allocations to Sports Departments, and Government Expenditure on Sports were sourced from the “Chengdu Sports Bureau Department Final Accounts Report” (https://cdsport.chengdu.gov.cn/ (accessed on 7 November 2024)) and the “Chongqing Sports Bureau Department Final Accounts Report” (https://tyj.cq.gov.cn/ (accessed on 8 November 2024)). Detailed data are provided in the Supplementary Material.

5. Results

5.1. Construction of the Sports Tourism Evaluation Index System

Analysis of recent studies on sports tourism reveals that most studies on the coupling and coordinated development of sports tourism focuses on coupling analysis between the sports industry and the tourism industry [43], aiming to measure the dynamic relationship between these two sectors. This paper views sports tourism as an integrated composite system, based on the theoretical foundation that sports tourism conceptualizes sports as a tourist attraction, thereby making a unique contribution to the tourism industry [44]. This study selects indicators from four aspects: overall scale, market entities, development foundation, and government support, to conduct a quantitative analysis of sports tourism development. The indicators related to overall scale and market entities used content from previous studies. Development foundation indicators includes the number of employees in the sports and entertainment industries, regional GDP, per capita disposable income, and the number of university students. Regional GDP and per capita disposable income were used to measure the level of regional economic development and the standard of living of the population, respectively. A high GDP indicates that government departments possess adequate funds to construct infrastructure related to sports tourism, including large sports venues and public transportation networks. This provision establishes a solid foundation and a conducive environment for the development of sports tourism. Additionally, per capita disposable income directly influences consumption capacity; an increase in this income enables residents to allocate more funds to participating in sports tourism. Consequently, this fosters the growth of the sports tourism market and enhances industry prosperity. In addition, university students are a primary source of volunteers for major sports events and play an important role in the successful hosting of these events [45].

Unlike previous studies on the coordinated development of sports tourism, this paper focuses on the crucial role of government departments in the development of sports tourism. Government department plays a crucial role in the development of sports tourism in every aspect [46]. Firstly, they guide industrial development by formulating strategic plans [47] and providing policy support, including financial subsidies and tax incentives [44]. Secondly, these departments are responsible for the construction and optimization of public service facilities [48]. Additionally, the government plays an indispensable role in market supervision, talent training, and resource integration. By selecting indicators that reflect the government’s role, researchers can broaden their perspective and find the limitations of previous macro-level studies. Quantifying the government’s contribution to the sports tourism industry through data can benefit the formulation of targeted strategies and the optimization of development pathways.

The income of local sports departments and the development of local sports tourism mutually reinforce each other. Increased revenue for sports departments can be invested in infrastructure development, event organization, industry integration, and promotional activities, thereby facilitating the growth of sports tourism. Conversely, the advancement of sports tourism generates revenue for sports departments through ticket sales, enhances the income of related industries, and attracts political and financial support, thereby further increasing their revenue. This interplay creates a virtuous cycle that collectively fosters the prosperity of the local sports tourism industry. Notably, financial allocations serve as a significant source of revenue for local sports departments, and the level of these allocations reflects the government’s commitment to the development of the sports tourism sector.

Therefore, three indicators—sports department revenue, financial allocations to sports departments, and government expenditure on sports—are used to highlight the role of the government. These indicators are aggregated to form the sports tourism coordinating development index system, as shown in

Table 2. Sports tourism coordinated development index system.

Secondary Indicators	Tertiary Indicators	Unit	Symbol	Nature	Source
Overall Scale	Total Scale of the Sports Industry	CNY 100 million	X1	+	[49]
	Sports Lottery Sales	CNY 10,000	X2	+	[44]
	Total Tourism Revenue	CNY 100 million	X3	+	[50]
	Domestic Tourism Revenue	CNY 100 million	X4	+	[51]
	Tourism Foreign Exchange Revenue	USD 10,000	X5	+	[51]
Market Entities	Number of Domestic Tourist Visits	10,000 people	X6	+	[49]
	Number of Inbound Overseas Tourists	people	X7	+	[49]
	Passenger Transport Volume	10,000 people	X8	+	[52]
Development Foundation	Number of Employees in the Sports and Entertainment Industry	10,000 people	X9	+	[52]
	Gross Regional Product	CNY 100 million	X10	+	[52]
	Per Capita Disposable Income	yuan	X11	+	[52]
	Number of Enrolled University Students	people	X12	+	[52]
Government Support	Sports Department Revenue	CNY 10,000	X13	+	No
	Financial Allocations to Sports Departments	CNY 10,000	X14	+	[44]
	Government Expenditure on Sports	CNY 10,000	X15	+	[50]

.

The four dimensions of overall scale, market entities, development foundation, and government support are interrelated and interactively contribute to the development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region, collectively fostering the industry’s prosperity. The expansion of the overall scale necessitates the involvement of market entities and the backing of development foundations, while the engagement of market entities and the reinforcement of development foundations rely on government support. Furthermore, these four dimensions must evolve collaboratively to achieve the sustainable development of the sports tourism industry. Through policy and financial assistance, the government stimulates the engagement of market entities and the reinforcement of development foundations, thereby facilitating the expansion of the overall scale. This engagement and reinforcement, in turn, amplify the effectiveness of government support, creating a virtuous cycle.

5.2. Determination of Comprehensive Scores Using the Entropy Method

This paper employs the entropy method to calculate the indicator weights and derives the comprehensive scores for the Chengdu and Chongqing subsystems using the weight coefficients. All indicators in the sports tourism index system are positive indicators. The range method is used for data standardization. The comprehensive scores for the Chengdu and Chongqing subsystems, after calculation, are shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 2, the overall scores for sports tourism in Chengdu and Chongqing showed a notable upward trend from 2015 to 2019, followed by a decline in 2020. This decline was more pronounced in Chongqing than in Chengdu. The rapid development of the sports tourism industry in the Chengdu–Chongqing region can be attributed to several key factors. First, political dynamics and regional cooperation were instrumental. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and Chongqing, a directly administered municipality, are both prominent cities in China with significant political influence, drawing considerable regional attention to the sports events hosted there [53]. The model of cross-regional cooperation has not only facilitated resource sharing but also encouraged innovation in sports tourism products and services.

Additionally, the continuous growth in market demand has been a major driver of sports tourism development. With the development of living condition and health awareness, sports tourism has emerged as a popular leisure activity, attracting more and more attention. The Chengdu–Chongqing region has capitalized on this demand by organizing a wide range of sports events and activities, attracting numerous tourists and thereby contributing to the expansion of the sports tourism market. Infrastructure development has also played a crucial role by providing the necessary support for sports tourism. Investments in outdoor sports facilities, sports parks, and other infrastructure have created an ideal environment for a variety of sports tourism activities, improving the sense of satisfaction of visitors. However, the breakout of COVID-19 in 2020 had a significant impact on the global economy [54], which, in turn, led to a decline in the comprehensive scores for sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region.

5.3. Measurement and Classification of Coupling Coordination Degree of Sports Tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing Region

The coupling coordination degree model is primarily used to analyze the level of coordinated development of various phenomena, and it is generally employed to examine the degree of mutual influence and coupling between two or more systems. In this paper, the coupling coordination degree between the sports tourism sectors of Chengdu and Chongqing is calculated to analyze the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region.

The calculated coupling coordination degree and coupling coordination grade for sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region are shown in

Table 3. Coupling coordination degree and coordination grade of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region.

Years	T	C	D	Grade	Type
2015	0.0894	0.8640	0.2779	3	Moderate Imbalance
2016	0.2195	0.9594	0.4589	5	On the Brink of Imbalance
2017	0.3089	0.9830	0.5511	6	Barely Coordinated
2018	0.5082	0.9957	0.7114	8	Intermediate Coordination
2019	0.7933	0.9999	0.8906	9	Good Coordination
2020	0.7082	0.9973	0.8404	9	Good Coordination

.

As shown in Table 3, the coupling coordination degree of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region continuously increased from 2015 to 2019, with the coordination type improving from moderate imbalance in 2015 to good coordination in 2019. The coupling coordination degree rose from 0.2779 to 0.8906. Further analysis revealed that this significant increase over five consecutive years was closely related to economic development, the increase in market entities, and strong support from local governments on sports tourism. In 2020, due to the impact of the pandemic, the tourism industry in the Chengdu–Chongqing region encountered a significant setback, with a substantial decline in both sports tourism market entities and tourism industry revenue. Additionally, the pandemic problem in both cities hindered the holding of government sports activities, leading to a 0.0502 decrease in the coupling coordination degree in 2020 compared with 2019. However, it still remained within the good coordination grade.

5.4. Obstacle Factors for the Coordinated Development of Sports Tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing Region

As shown in

Table 4. Standardized matrix and weights for Chengdu and Chongqing, 2019–2020.

Symbol	Chengdu-19	Chengdu-20	Chongqing-19	Chongqing-20	Weights
X1	0.9833	1.0000	0.0000	0.1219	0.0607
X2	1.0000	0.6796	0.3138	0.0000	0.0453
X3	0.6068	0.0000	1.0000	0.1083	0.0628
X4	0.6045	0.0000	1.0000	0.0338	0.0755
X5	0.6366	0.0000	1.0000	0.0257	0.0769
X6	0.1614	0.0000	1.0000	0.7292	0.0559
X7	0.9246	0.0219	1.0000	0.0000	0.0759
X8	1.0000	0.7824	0.1904	0.0000	0.0533
X9	0.0000	0.1714	0.8000	1.0000	0.0549
X10	0.0000	0.0881	0.8252	1.0000	0.0643
X11	0.7452	1.0000	0.0000	0.1940	0.0530
X12	0.0000	0.4004	0.2354	1.0000	0.0547
X13	0.0720	1.0000	0.3260	0.0000	0.0776
X14	0.0183	1.0000	0.0000	0.0529	0.1308
X15	0.3854	1.0000	0.0000	0.1972	0.0584

, the coordination type for the Chengdu–Chongqing region in 2019 and 2020 is classified as good coordination. To identify the obstacle factors affecting the good coordination, the original data of 2019–2020 from Chengdu and Chongqing are selected and analyzed. The standardized matrix and weights are calculated using the entropy method (as described above). Details are shown in Table 4.

The obstacle degree for the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region, as calculated, is shown in Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 3, the two main factors affecting the development of sports tourism in Chengdu in 2019 are financial allocations to sports departments (X14) and sports department revenue (X13). The three main factors affecting the development of sports tourism in Chengdu in 2020 were tourism foreign exchange revenue (X5), domestic tourism revenue (X4), and the number of inbound overseas tourists (X7). The two primary factors affecting the development of sports tourism in Chongqing in 2019 were financial allocations to sports departments (X14) and the total scale of the sports industry (X1). The main factor affecting the development of sports tourism in Chongqing in 2020 was financial allocations to sports departments (X14). Among them, financial allocations to sports departments were the primary obstacle factor affecting the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region.

6. Discussion

6.1. Foundation for the Coordinated Development of Sports Tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing Region

The growth of sports tourism highlights the necessity for the critical consideration of related development issues [44]. The Chengdu–Chongqing region’s unique geographical environment, abundant sports resources, and strong government policy support collectively form the foundation for the coordinated development of sports tourism in the area.

Firstly, the geographical environment of Chongqing and Chengdu, both important cities in China’s central and western regions, are full of rich mountainous and hilly resources and unique geographical environments [55], which provide exceptional conditions for the development of sports tourism in both cities. According to the 2013–2023 China Sports Tourism Quality Projects announced by the Sports Culture Development Center of the State Sports General Administration of China in 2023, the Chengdu–Chongqing region featured a total of 34 projects. Among them, the Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area in Chengdu and the Wulong Karst Tourist Area in Chongqing were not only full of stunning scenery but also offered a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, rafting, and skiing. The number of tourists to the Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Area in the winter of 2024 increased by 285% compared to the same period of previous year. Additionally, during the May Day holiday in 2024, the Wulong Karst Tourism Area welcomed a total of 1.2133 million tourists, generating comprehensive tourism revenue of CNY 545 million, thereby ranking first among scenic spots in the Chongqing region.

Secondly, regarding sports resources, large-scale sports venues in the Chengdu–Chongqing region are equipped with complete and modern facilities. Chengdu is filled with numerous contemporary sports venues, including Dong’an Lake Sports Park, Phoenix Mountain Sports Park, Sichuan Provincial Gymnasium, and Chengdu Sports Center. Similarly, Chongqing is well-known for various sports facilities such as the Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Banan District Huaxi Cultural and Sports Center, and the Economic Development Zone Sports Development Center. These venues are the choices of hosting top international events, which frequently accommodate cultural and sports performances. Furthermore, the Chengdu–Chongqing region has a rich traditional sports culture that dates back to ancient times. From traditional martial arts to modern sports like football and basketball, there is a wide degree of participation. This deep-rooted traditional sports culture not only encourages greater public engagement in sports activities but also fosters the inheritance and development of local unique sports.

Lastly, regarding policy advantages, from 2007 to 2022, numerous development plans for the Chengdu–Chongqing region were put forward at both the national and local levels, providing institutional support for the promotion of high-quality integrated sports tourism development in the region [56]. For example, the “Outline Plan for the Construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle” clearly indicates that the sports tourism industry should be cultivated and developed as a significant economic growth point. This plan creates a favorable policy environment for the integration and development of sports tourism resources within the region.

The geographical environment, sports resources, and policy support serve as the foundation of the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu and Chongqing regions. The rich geographical resource of the Chengdu–Chongqing area, which include diverse natural landscapes and favorable climatic conditions, create ideal venues for activities and facilitate year-round development of sports tourism [57]. Additionally, the region’s comprehensive sports resources, comprising a wide array of events, modern sports facilities, and a vibrant sports culture, attract a significant number of tourists to engage in sports activities. Furthermore, robust policy support provides a solid framework for the advancement of sports tourism through collaborative efforts, well-defined industrial planning, and financial investment.

6.2. Recommendations for the Future Development of Sports Tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing Region

6.2.1. Further Urban Integration

The Chengdu–Chongqing region should strengthen sports tourism project cooperation, collaborated to develop tourism resources, and create sports tourism brands with unique Chengdu–Chongqing features. For example, using rich mountain resources to develop sports tourism routes. Additionally, the two cities should strengthen cooperation and communication in sports events. Jointly hosting various sports events can not only increase their popularity and influence but also add new vitality to the development of the sports tourism industry. For Chengdu and Chongqing, strengthening the coordinated improvement in urbanization levels and deepening the integration of the sports tourism industry will not only boost the urban competitiveness of cities but also positively contribute to the economic development in the central and western regions. Optimizing urban planning and resource allocation is essential to increase urban integration. Chengdu and Chongqing should use scientific and rational urban planning to break through administrative barriers and achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages. For example, enhancing transportation connections between scenic spots and urban areas, such as by adding bus lines and special bus lines, will facilitate easier access for visitors to sports tourism sites. Additionally, improving accommodation, dining, shopping, and other supporting facilities within these scenic locations will increase overall tourist satisfaction. Furthermore, creating a sports tourism information-sharing platform to consolidate regional sports events, attractions, accommodations, and dining options will provide tourists with comprehensive one-stop services.

6.2.2. Further Expanding Open Cooperation

In response to China’s new development pattern, which emphasizes the domestic cycle as the main focus while promoting mutual reinforcement between domestic and international dual cycles, the Chengdu–Chongqing region—recognized as a significant growth pole in the western region—should capitalize on opportunities and consider expanding open cooperation as a crucial strategy to invigorate sports tourism. Chengdu and Chongqing should collaborate to elevate the level and depth of their opening by establishing and improving international sports exchange platforms, such as international sports forums, exhibitions, and trade fairs, to attract global attention and participation in sports tourism. The regions should also be proactive and engage with internationally renowned sports brands and events to attract more large-scale and international sports events, such as marathons, cycling races, and extreme sports challenges, to the Chengdu–Chongqing region [58]. These activities can introduce advanced technology and management expertise to the Chengdu–Chongqing region, optimize the investment environment, attract foreign investment, and promote industrial upgrading and coordinated development. Simultaneously, they facilitate the integration of the sports tourism industry, enhance regional brand’s influence, stimulate consumption growth, support the construction and the upgrading of urban infrastructure [59], and aid in the optimization of the industrial structure and sustainable economic development in the Chengdu and Chongqing regions across multiple dimensions. The Chengdu–Chongqing region should fully maximize its cultural characteristics and natural resource advantages to develop sports tourism products with regional characteristics [60], such as outdoor mountain adventures and water sports experiences. Through marketing and promotion overseas, the regions can attract international tourists.

6.2.3. Further Promoting Industrial Agglomeration

Chengdu and Chongqing should enhance their internal structural adjustments within the industry [61], exploring the distinctive positioning of sports tourism in each area. For instance, Chongqing can focus on its mountainous city characteristics to develop outdoor mountain sports, while Chengdu can focus on water sports projects due to its abundant water resources. This approach creates a complementary rather than competitive industrial pattern, which strengthens the integration of the upstream and downstream industry sectors. From organizing sports events and providing sports equipment for tourists, the construction of a closed-loop ecosystem would enhance the industrial agglomeration effect by improving the industrial chain. Additionally, efforts should be made toward establishing sports tourism industrial parks or bases, providing business opportunity to attract renowned domestic and international sports brands, tourism enterprises, and innovative institutions, thereby forming brand clusters. This will not only enhance regional visibility but also accelerate industrial upgrading through knowledge sharing and technological innovation within the cluster. In addition, to establish a diversified investment and financing system, the participation of social capital should be encouraged. This includes setting up sports tourism industry development funds and guiding venture capital to provide financial support for emerging projects and small innovative enterprises, thereby stimulating market vitality.

6.2.4. Further Strengthening Policy Support

To accelerate the coordinated development of sports tourism between Chongqing and Chengdu, a multi-layered, comprehensive policy system should be established to form a synergistic policy force from the national to local level. At the national level, more guiding documents and preferential policies for the integration and development of sports tourism should be issued, with financial support measures. The policies include establishing special funds to support the development of major sports tourism projects, providing tax reductions to alleviate the burden on enterprises, and encouraging social capital investment in sports tourism infrastructure construction. Talent introduction programs should attract domestic and international professionals in sports tourism management, marketing, and services, attracting fresh blood and innovative thinking into the industry.

At the local government level, the government departments of Chongqing and Chengdu should collaborate closely to do research and formulate a coordinated development strategic plan that aligns with the features and development needs of both regions [62]. This plan should clearly define development goals, key tasks, and implementation means. The visitors’ experience can be enriched by establishing a sports tourism resource-sharing mechanism, promoting joint organization of events, creating cross-regional premium sports tourism routes, and optimizing the regional transportation network. Building on the successful experiences of regions such as the Yangtze River Delta, Chongqing and Chengdu should strengthen political innovation, which would encourage local governments to implement flexible measures based on fact. For example, establishing sports tourism coordinated development demonstration zones can serve as pilot areas to experiment and accumulate experience before popularizing the initiatives.

6.2.5. Further Improving the Transportation Network

Both cities currently face challenges such as outdated facilities and traffic congestion, which impact the visitors’ experience feeling. It is, therefore, crucial to break through administrative barriers and coordinate infrastructure planning [63]. The primary task is to boost investment to enhance the quality and capacity of infrastructure in well-known scenic spots, enhance reception’s conditions, alleviate parking difficulties, and improve visitor’s satisfaction. The traffic time between Chongqing and Chengdu has been reduced to one and a half hours since the Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed railway started building in 2015, making the Chengdu–Chongqing “one-hour urban circle” come true. Chongqing and Chengdu need to transcend administrative boundaries, jointly formulate relevant development policies, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and collaboratively plan infrastructure construction [64]. Both cities should continue their collaboration to establish a modern comprehensive transportation system, including optimizing the layout of airport clusters, playing a role in becoming competitive international aviation hubs, increasing the density of railways and highways, optimizing rail transit planning for more efficient connectivity, leveraging the advantages of Yangtze River water transport to promote cooperation with cities along the river, and improving transport service standards.

6.3. Theoretical Contribution

By applying coupling coordination theory and integrating an evaluation index system with a coupling coordination model, this study presents a novel perspective on assessing the interplay between the sports and tourism sectors within a specific regional context.

Firstly, the research develops a comprehensive sports tourism evaluation index system that encompasses four secondary indicators and 15 tertiary indicators. This system not only quantifies the development status of sports tourism but also underscores the critical role of government support in fostering the growth of this emerging industry. The inclusion of government-related metrics broadens the research scope beyond the traditional attention on market dynamics, highlighting the indispensable function of public policy and financial backing in achieving sustainable development in sports tourism.

Secondly, the application of the coupling coordination degree model provides a robust analytical framework for measuring the dynamic interactions and mutual influences between the sports and tourism sectors over time. By calculating the coupling coordination degree from 2015 to 2020, this study enhances the understanding of how these two industries can mutually reinforce each other, thereby improving regional competitiveness and promoting balanced economic growth.

Thirdly, by employing the obstacle degree model, this study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the identification of key obstacles to the coordinated development of sports tourism. It reveals that financial allocations to sports departments are a primary obstructive factor, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding for infrastructure and facilities. The point contributes to the theoretical discussion on resource allocation and its impact on the sustainability of sports tourism projects.

In summary, this study reinforces the theoretical foundations of sports tourism by introducing an innovative analytical methodology and highlighting the significance of government support and regional coordination. These contributions establish a robust framework for future research and practical applications focused on optimizing the integration of the sports and tourism industries for regional economic benefit.

7. Conclusions

This study offers an in-depth analysis of the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region of China, utilizing a sports tourism evaluation index system and coupling coordination models. The results show that the sports tourism sector in this region takes on a significant increase in its coupling coordination degree from 2015 to 2019, reflecting improved integration and mutual reinforcement between sports and tourism. However, the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a notable decline, highlighting the sector’s susceptibility to external disruptions. This study clarifies the primary challenge to further coordination as insufficient financial resources for sports departments, indicating a need for better resource allocation and policy support.

The findings have several implications for international citizens and policymakers. Firstly, the developed sports tourism evaluation index system provides a replicable model for assessing and comparing sports tourism development across different regions globally. This framework can guide policy decisions and strategic planning in regions aiming to leverage the economic and social benefits of sports tourism. Additionally, the use of coupling coordination theory in this study illustrates its effectiveness in examining the dynamic interaction between sports and tourism, offering valuable views for regions worldwide seeking to strengthen synergies between these sectors.

For the Chengdu–Chongqing region, this study suggests that while substantial progress has been made, it is also necessary to enhance further urban integration, expand cooperative initiatives, foster industrial clusters, bolster policy support, and improve the transportation network. If these strategies are effectively implemented, they could help mitigate the negative effect, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and promote the sustainable and coordinated growth of sports tourism.

The limitations of this study lie in the absence of insights from diverse countries in the construction of the indicator system, which diminishes its universal applicability. Additionally, the discussion section fails to adequately address the complexities of economic geography and the impact of international factors. The analytical framework lacks completeness, and the practical implications are insufficient. Future research on this topic should consider the following approaches: (1) adopt an interdisciplinary approach that thoroughly considers the systems, cultural environments, and geographical characteristics of various countries, thereby enhancing the sports tourism indicator system; (2) engage in qualitative research through interviews with local residents and tourists to complement the conclusions drawn from quantitative studies; (3) investigate the latest trends and innovative models in the international sports tourism market, exploring how the Chengdu–Chongqing region can bolster its competitiveness and influence within the global sports tourism.

In conclusion, the coordinated development of sports tourism in the Chengdu–Chongqing region presents a promising avenue for economic growth and regional integration. The region’s distinctive geographical setting, abundant sports resources, and strong government backing provide a solid foundation for continuous progress. By making full use of these strengths, the Chengdu–Chongqing region can become a model for other regions seeking to tap into the potential of sports tourism as a catalyst for economic development and international cooperation.