How broadband internet shapes household tourism decisions: a double/debiased machine learning-based difference-in-difference approach

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of broadband internet on Chinese households’ tourism decisions and spending patterns. It reveals the transformative potential of digital connectivity in enhancing tourism activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a rigorous double/debiased machine learning-based difference-in-difference (DMLDiD) method and extensive panel data, this research quantitatively analyzes the impact of broadband on household tourism engagement and financial allocations. It incorporates comprehensive robustness checks, including placebo tests and algorithm variations, to ensure the validity of the findings.

Findings

Within households with broadband access, the results indicate a significant increase of 3.54% and 31.24% in tourism participation and tourism-related expenditures, respectively. This study attributes these outcomes to enhanced household incomes, facilitated online transactions and alleviated credit constraints, highlighting notable disparities in impact across urban versus rural settings and among distinct demographic categories. Additionally, the moderating effects of marital status and household size reveal that married households and a greater number of members tend to leverage broadband access more effectively for making tourism-related decisions and expenditures.

Originality/value

By pioneering the application of the DMLDiD approach to examine household financial behaviors toward tourism, this study contributes novel insights to the economic discourse on the role of digital infrastructure in tourism development. It offers empirical evidence and strategic implications for policymakers and industry professionals who seek to leverage digital connectivity to enhance tourism.

研究目的

本研究探讨了宽带互联网对中国家庭旅游决策及消费模式的影响, 旨在揭示数字连接在促进旅游活动方面的转型潜力。

研究方法

本研究采用严格的基于双重/去偏机器学习的差分中差分（DMLDiD）方法, 并利用广泛的面板数据, 定量分析了宽带对家庭旅游参与及资金分配的影响。研究还进行了全面的稳健性检验, 包括安慰剂测试和算法变异, 以确保结果的有效性。

研究发现

在拥有宽带接入的家庭中, 结果显示旅游参与率和旅游相关支出分别显著增加了3.54%和31.24%。本研究将这些结果归因于家庭收入的增加、在线交易的便利性以及信贷约束的缓解, 且在城乡和不同人口类别之间的影响存在显著差异。此外, 婚姻状况和家庭规模的调节效应表明, 已婚家庭和成员较多的家庭在利用宽带做出旅游相关决策和支出时更为有效。

研究创新

本研究首次应用DMLDiD方法探讨家庭在旅游方面的财务行为, 为数字基础设施在旅游发展中的作用提供了新颖的见解。研究为政策制定者和行业专业人士提供了实证依据和战略启示, 帮助他们利用数字连接促进旅游业发展。

Citation

Jia, H. (2024), "How broadband internet shapes household tourism decisions: a double/debiased machine learning-based difference-in-difference approach", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-02-2024-0102