Scene Innovation and Path Optimization of Drone Cultural Tourism in Sichuan from the Perspective of the Low-Altitude Economy_Vol. 3 No. 4 (JTM 2026)_Journal of Tourism Management (ISSN: 3005-575X)

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Scene Innovation and Path Optimization of Drone Cultural Tourism in Sichuan from the Perspective of the Low-Altitude Economy

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jtm.202613408

Author(s)

Pu Tao

Affiliation(s)

Chengdu Technological University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Abstract

The low-altitude economy has been designated a national strategic emerging industry, and it is increasingly clear that its convergence with cultural tourism could reshape regional economic trajectories. Taking Sichuan as the empirical focus, this study interrogates a persistent gap in the current literature: the tendency to prioritize drone hardware development over the design of meaningful tourist experiences. We construct a four-dimensional framework—technology, space, culture, and experience—to diagnose why so many low-altitude tourism initiatives remain technologically impressive yet culturally shallow. Our field investigation across Sichuan identifies four structural bottlenecks: protracted airspace approval procedures, limited battery endurance at altitude, unresolved safety and privacy concerns, and an overreliance on single-ticket revenue models. In response, we propose a three-pronged innovation pathway (spatial reconstruction, cross-sector integration, and technology-enabled immersion) backed by a four-tier optimization strategy covering regulation, infrastructure, industry ecosystems, and safety governance. The findings speak not only to Sichuan but offer transferable lessons for regions seeking to operationalize low-altitude economy policies in culturally sensitive and geographically challenging contexts.

Keywords

Low-Altitude Economy; Drone Cultural Tourism; Scene Innovation; Path Optimization

References

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