The evolutionary characteristics, driving mechanism, and optimization path of China’s tourism support policies under COVID-19: a quantitative analysis based on policy texts

Tourism support policies are an important issue in managing a public health crisis. This research examines 136 tourism support policy texts issued by central and local governments in China from 22 January to 31 December 2020. The policy evolution is divided into three phases: suspension of business activities of tourism enterprises (22 January–24 February 2020), orderly resumption of tourism production (25 February–28 April 2020), and regular pandemic prevention and control (29 April 2020–present). NetDraw and the qualitative analysis software NVivo were used to conduct a content analysis and co-word analysis, and to objectively analyse the structure, content, and evolution of the policy texts. We apply the PSR (pressure-state-response) model, which considers policy changes driven by reforms, innovations, the market, consumption, technology, governance, and other factors. The findings indicate that the policy content varies from decentralized to temporary, systematic, and standardized. Major policymaking gradually became coordinated, and the policy value orientation has been embodied in the transformation of science and technology information services. Finally, countermeasures and suggestions are offered with the goal of perfecting the policy coordination mechanism, improving policy implementation and ‘directness’, strengthening the foresight and comprehensiveness of the policymaking process, and strengthening policy innovation and production.