Integration of Tourism with Xishan Tea Business at Guiping, Guangxi Analyzed by Resource-Market-Product Multi-criteria Decision-making Method

Objective As the nation strives to alleviate poverty, China continuously explores applicable venues to achieve the goal. Immersing tea-related entertainment into conventional tourism has proven to be one of the most effective and feasible approaches for rural areas. The program taken by the city of Guipin in Guangxi Province appeared to be an exemplary model in that pursuit for an in-depth analysis.

Method The multi-criteria decision-making method incorporating the perspectives of resource, market, and product in an analysis was applied to critically dissect the tourist perception and business sustainability of the program implemented in Guiping. Field research and questionnaire survey were conducted for data collection and information gathering. Status on the program development, difficulties encountered, remaining challenges, and managerial strategies were scrutinized.

Result The difficulties of Xishan tea tourism integration in Guiping City were summarized as follows: Xishan tea product supply was insufficient and industrialization was low; The development mechanism is not perfect, the service system is not perfect; Limited publicity channels and single marketing mode; Tea tourism lacks cultural elements, and the product homogenization is serious.

Conclusion After a careful analysis, following measures to foster a successful high-quality program at Guiping were formulated. They include that (1) the local government to upgrade the infrastructure and public facilities in support of the planned development, (2) the residents and businesses to commit an intimate participation in the effort to exploit the cultural heritage unique to the locality for publicity and promotion, (3) the new tea-tourism to diligently and earnestly entice talents in enriching the attractions for a broad-based visitors, (4) the scenic tours and Xishan tea appreciation activities to maximize the entertaining and vacationing experiences for the visitors, and (5) the program management to encourage experimenting novel creations and efficient operation to facilitate reaching the developmental goals.