New Changes in Chinese Urban Tourism Pattern under the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: Based on Internet Attention

Internet attention, as a reflection of the actual focus of the public, not only responds to potential tourism demand but also represents the overall perception and preference characteristics of tourists for a tourist destination. The study selected eight representative tourist cities in China as research objects. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism patterns of Chinese cities was analysed using various analytical methods, including the seasonal characteristic index, the entropy value method, the coefficient of variation, and the tourism background trend line model. The study revealed the following conclusions: (1) following the conclusion of the epidemic, potential tourism demand demonstrated a notable recovery in comparison to the epidemic period, yet remained below the level observed in the same period before the epidemic. (2) The seasonal variations in internet attention after the end of the epidemic demonstrated an increased degree of differentiation, with the tourism market tending to be more prosperous during the high season and less so during the low season. (3) The epidemic had a relatively minor impact on the internet attention of famous tourist attractions and natural ecological attractions. In contrast, it had a more significant influence on historical and cultural sites and modern amusement spots. The findings of this study offer insights that can inform the recovery and sustainable development of tourist cities in the post-pandemic era.