Evaluation on Sustainable Development of Scenic Zone Based on Tourism Ecological Footprint: Case Study of Yellow Crane Tower in Hubei Province, China

Tourism Environmental Carrying Capacity (TECC) is an important index to judge sustainability of scenic zone, which is calculated by Tourism Ecological Footprint (TEF) and Tourism Ecological Capacity (TEC). Based on theories and models of TEF, this paper calculated TEF, TEC, and TECC in Yellow Crane Tower scenic spot. In 2008, TEF per capita was 0.0570hm2, footprint of transportation and waste were large, occupied 55.89% and 33.20% respectively. TEC of Yellow Crane Tower was 108.45hm2 in 2008 and it will be 176.80hm2 in 2012. Therefore, TECC was 3 804 tourists per day and it will be 6 204 tourists per day in 2012. Actually, TECC reached 3 354 tourists per day in 2008, which showed that tourists were under Carrying Capacity, but it is in vigilant situation of sustainable development. Finally, this paper put forward some suggestions on tourism sustainable development in Yellow Crane Tower.