Integrating a Local Asset/Resource into Tourism and Leisure Offering: The Case of Tea Resources in Longwu Town, Zhejiang Province, China

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to report on a research project in the field of tea tourism. The project’s aim was to identify the prerequisites and critical success factors for and to suggest the adequate strategies to achieve an effective pairing/partnership between the tea industry and tourism/leisure activities. Drawing on the blended theoretical foundations of sustainable tourism development, community-based tourism, and strategic marketing planning, this study first analyzed the tea offering as a tourism asset. It then suggested the appropriate pairing between tea offering and tourism/leisure activities. The suggested framework for managing the partnership was empirically tested and validated within the Chinese context. Findings allowed one to form a comprehensive and integrated set of key issues and elements to take into account. Clear and specific development aims along with the necessary conditions are leading to the determination of suitable strategies and adequate actions. The study also indicates the key elements for the successful integration, effective pairing, and sustainable operation of tea tourism offering. The study is completed by summarizing management implications and guidelines for involved stakeholders to attain expected outcomes from sustainable action plans.

The Role of Chinese Green Tea and Tourism Development in Hunan Province

“…Tea culture tourism is an aspect of cultural tourism that also includes activities like doing business, getting an education, and harvesting own tea. Based on these definitions, it seems more appropriate to describe tea tourism as "tea-driven" or "tea-related tourism" (Yan et al, 2021). This findings concur with Guo et al (2019) that how the tea industry benefits the surrounding agricultural, industrial, and service sectors while additionally working as an important tourist attraction.…”

Time for Tea: Factors of Service Quality, Memorable Tourism Experience and Loyalty in Sustainable Tea Tourism Destination

“…Scholarly literature on tea tourism is mainly concentrated on the supply side (tea plantations), with limited attention given to demand perspectives (tourists) [33]. Supplyside research mostly uses qualitative and stakeholder approaches [8], with attention given to tea tourism development [34,35], community livelihood and well-being [36], labor division [37], integration of tea plantation and tea tourism [38], and ecological systems [39]. Demand-oriented research is primarily quantitative.…”

Empowering Tea Tourism through Community Participation: A Conceptual Study

“…The promotion and cultivation of tea may contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and customs, as well as offer economic prospects for rural communities (Ng et al, 2022)(Bulut Solak & Amin, 2020). It has been observed that proper planning and development of tea tourism can effectively help generate additional revenue and boost the rural economy (Yan et al, 2021). Thus, it is imperative to manage the integration of tea offering and tourism/leisure activities effectively to ensure the sustainable operation of tea tourism (Sanjiv Kumar Sharma et al, 2016).…”