Identifying the specific features, determinants, and suitability of green homestay inn distribution in rural China

Abstract

The emergence of sharing economy has significantly promoted the development of homestay around the world, and the appropriateness of homestay location has always been a focus of discussion among scholars, because it directly determines the business consequences. This study brings to light the intricate dynamics governing the distribution of rural green homestay inns in Guizhou, China, revealing a complex impact of diverse factors that shape their geographical preferences using Spatial Neighborhood Analysis, Geodetector, and Suitability Evaluator. These tools unveiled that rural green homestay inns are commonly located in proximity to critical rural tourist sites and cultural attractions. Many are ideally positioned near eco-villages, adorned with lush greenery, alongside main roads for easy access, and adjacent to rivers set against gentle or moderate elevations. Interestingly, while not economically developed, these areas often boast a vibrant tertiary industry. In identifying the optimal location for a rural green homestay inn, factors such as a rich array of tourism and cultural attractions, an inviting rural ecology, and convenient accessibility are paramount. However, only a tiny fraction of the land, specifically 1.04 %, and 5.25 %, is identified as highly and relatively suitable for rural green homestay inns in Guizhou, underscoring the need for a strategic and thoughtful layout process due to the scarcity of suitable locations. The findings highlight the need for strategic optimization of rural green homestay layouts to better support rural revitalization.