Path dependence in pro-poor tourism

Tourism is a crucial pathway to global poverty reduction and sustainable development. Pro-poor tourism (PPT), which is conducive to the development of the poor, can bring social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits to the poor. The path dependence theory affirms that past choices determine future decisions. Once the path dependence results in a lock-in effect in pro-poor tourism, it is likely to affect pro-poor tourism performance. Here, we quantitatively analyze the characteristics and causes of path dependence in pro-poor tourism in China and investigate how path dependence affects pro-poor tourism performance. We find that the sunk cost (factor input) of pro-poor tourism is a major cause of path dependence. Path dependence in pro-poor tourism takes various forms: cognitive path dependence, institutional path dependence, technological path dependence and economic path dependence. Among these, cognitive dependence and institutional path dependence negatively affect pro-poor tourism performance, whereas technological dependence and economic path dependence positively affect performance. Simultaneously, the factor input of PPT affects PPT performance through the four dimensions of path dependence. The path dependence in PPT mediates the effect of factor input on PPT performance. Our findings reveal the characteristics and regularities of path dependence in the pro-poor tourism strategy implemented by the Chinese government. Findings of this study are important for policymakers that can assist in the implementation of PPT strategies and help improve PPT performance.