Sports tourism downturn: The impact of COVID-19 on Chinese tourism among urban and rural residents under epidemic

Background: China's sports tourism has seen significant growth since the 2008 Olympics, only to be challenged by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on China's tourism and sports tourism, which are highly interrelated. Method: Data and materials from 2019 to mid-2023 were systematically collected and analyzed, focusing on seasonal tourism reports published on official local networks in China. Results: The study reveals a prepandemic annual tourism consumption of 6.63 trillion CNY, a 52.1% decline during the pandemic, and a postpandemic rebound exceeding pre-coronavirus disease levels. Conclusion: The pandemic's impact was profound, yet the resilience of China's tourism sector is evident, with a focus on the recovery's implications for sustainable growth. Despite the pandemic's disruption, China's tourism and sports tourism sectors have demonstrated resilience and potential for continued growth, warranting ongoing attention.