LAUSR

Abstract Climate change problems have become a worldwide concern. In response to containing global climate change, there has been a proliferation of theories and policies aimed at driving tourism towards ‘low-carbon tourism’. The problem becomes even greater if turning to cities. Constructing a low-carbon tourism city requires a comprehensive understanding of urban low-carbon tourism development rather than solely focusing on targets limited to CO2 emissions and energy reduction. However, much of the focus of research to date has not been on this key issue. Here this study constructed indicators to evaluate low-carbon tourism development in a tourism-based urban destination. A total of 33 indicators were identified using the fuzzy Delphi method. Then, the weights of these indicators were determined using the analytic network process. The evaluation model made it possible to convert the subjective qualitative characteristics of low-carbon tourism, the implied mutual influences between the numerous indicators, and development demands into integrated quantitative values to guide actual low-carbon tourism development. The presented research process and results could provide a reference for relevant policy making in tourism-based urban destinations worldwide.