Policy Approaches to Sustainable and Circular Economy Tourism: Comparative Case Studies of Japan and China

Abstract

This study compares Japan and China's tourism policies, focusing on sustainability and the circular economy. Post-COVID-19, the circular economy has emerged as a vital framework for sustainable tourism recovery. Using three criteria—efficient resource use, contributions to regional economies, and environmental and social well-being—this research evaluates policies through comparative case studies. Japan employs a decentralized approach, led by local governments and DMOs, emphasizing ecotourism and cultural preservation. China adopts a centralized, top-down approach, prioritizing large-scale infrastructure and digital technologies for policy efficiency. The findings reveal Japan's focus on long-term sustainability through community-driven, culturally sensitive policies, while China emphasizes rapid economic growth and tourism expansion through centralized planning. The study proposes a hybrid model integrating regional flexibility with centralized coherence to balance sustainability and economic growth. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism by analysing contrasting governance structures and their implications for policy-making.