Abstract
Accurately grasping the spatial network correlation structure of operational efficiency in star-rated hotels and its influencing factors is of great significance for promoting high-quality coordinated development of star-rated hotels and the regional tourism reception industry. Using a comprehensive approach integrating the Super-DEA model, modified gravity model, and social network analysis to explore the evolving characteristics of spatial network structure in operational efficiency of provincial star-rated hotels in China from 2013 to 2022, and their underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that: (1) During the study period, the average operational efficiency of star-rated hotels in China was 0.618, with spatial efficiency values showing a distribution pattern of "Eastern > Central > Western > Northeastern". (2) The spatial correlation network of operational efficiency among provincial star-rated hotels in China overall exhibits characteristics of densification, hierarchical structure, and reinforcement. Provinces such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Jiangsu in the eastern region play central roles as "central actors" in the network, while provinces in the western and northeastern regions such as Heilongjiang, Tibet, and Xinjiang play roles as "passive actors" in the spatial network. (3) Members of the "Net benefit" and "Two-way spillover" are primarily from the eastern and some central provinces, while members of the "Net overflow" are mainly from the northeastern and western provinces. (4) Factors such as economic development level, residents' consumption level, and distance from provincial capital cities collectively drive the evolution and optimization of the spatial network structure of operational efficiency among provincial star-rated hotels in China. This study not only enriches the research findings on hotel operational efficiency but also provides a reference for constructing a cross-regional collaborative mechanism to enhance the operational efficiency of star-rated hotels.