Spatial distribution and suitability evaluation of nighttime tourism in Kunming utilizing multi-source data

In the post-pandemic era, nighttime tourism is vital in promoting the diversified development of tourism, enhancing the vitality of cities, and improving reemployment rates. Using Kunming City, China, as an example, this study used multi-theory and multi-source data to construct an evaluation model of the spatial distribution and suitability of nighttime tourism. The projection pursuit model and spatial analysis method were used to reveal spatial distribution and explore the suitability characteristics and spatial differences of nighttime tourism development. Our results revealed the following: (1) nighttime tourism resources showed a ‘large aggregation, small dispersion’ spatial distribution pattern, which is characterized by a distribution along the railway line; (2) at present, the spatial distribution of nighttime tourism in Kunming displays a pattern of ‘taking a high-density large gathering area as the center and extending around; ’ and (3) the most suitable nighttime tourism area accounts for 11.83% of the total land area of Kunming; highly suitable area accounts for 17.53%. The general suitable and unsuitable areas accounted for 43.29% and 27.35%, respectively. The results of this study assist in providing a scientific basis for the strategic planning and development of the nighttime tourism industry in Kunming.