Date of Award

6-10-2026

Thesis Type

PhD

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Divisions

Institute for Advanced Studies

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

Island tourism serves as a catalyst for economic growth and social development, yet poses critical challenges to ecological sustainability, particularly in fragile island environments. This study investigates the dynamic evaluation of Tourism Ecological Security (TES) in island destinations, focusing on Putuo District in Zhoushan City, China—one of the most prominent island tourism regions. The aim of this study is to construct and empirically validate a comprehensive evaluation framework that integrates both objective and subjective indicators of TES. Employing a mixedmethods research design, this study began with a systematic literature review identifying four primary stakeholder groups: tourists, local residents, tourism operators, and government officials. The Delphi method subsequently facilitated expert consensus to formulate a comprehensive set of evaluation indicators. Objective indicators were mainly derived from secondary statistical data gathered from official bulletins and yearbooks covering the period from 2013 to 2022. Subjective perceptions were captured through structured questionnaire surveys targeting specifically tourists and local residents. The objective TES evaluation was grounded in the Driving Force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework, while the subjective TES evaluation (PTES) integrated both the DPSIR framework and the PAB model. Quantitative analysis of TES and PTES dimensions was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). As a result, the study established two reliable and valid evaluation systems for TES and PTES. TES was mainly driven by driving forces and response mechanisms, while PTES was influenced by perceived pressures and ecological states. Empirical findings revealed strong causal relationships among DPSIR components, with TES levels in Putuo showing an upward trend from 2013 to 2022—driven by increased governance responses—yet ecological state indicators declined, signaling ongoing environmental degradation. PTES significantly predicted stakeholders’ environmental attitudes and behaviours, and effective policy responses enhanced these effects. Concurrently, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with tourism operators and government officials were thematically analysed using NVivo, highlighting that “ecological security is the pre-condition for island tourism development.” Stakeholders agreed that only through increased ecological investment, institutionalised governance, and green innovation can tourism growth translate into ecological wellbeing. In contrast, unregulated development has weakened near-shore ecosystem resilience, making cross-departmental collaboration and capacity control essential. The satisfaction survey reveals that tourism operators are generally dissatisfied, while government officials report no explicit concerns—indicating governance gaps and ecological pressure. The study validates integrating subjective and objective dimensions for a holistic TES assessment and proposes three strategies: enhancing collaborative governance, strengthening ecological management capacity, and promoting public ecological awareness. This research contributes a dynamic, multi-perspective evaluation system that enriches the theoretical foundation of TES demonstrates the operational synergy of DPSIR and PAB frameworks, and delivers actionable guidance for sustainable island tourism governance. Aligning with China’s ecological civilisation goals and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the findings offer transferable insights for other island destinations seeking to balance development with ecological integrity.

Initial

khm

Additional Information

Thesis (PhD) – Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 2026.

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