Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study explores the spatial spillover effects (SSE) and dynamic mechanisms of cultural tourism in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This study examines how infrastructure development, cultural integration, and spatial connectivity affect cultural tourism in Pakistan's CPEC and non-CPEC regions using spatial spillover and Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory. METHODS: Data were collected from 1,387 respondents in both regions, analyzed using the spatial Durbin model and structural equation modeling, and visualized using ArcMap and Geoda. RESULTS: The results indicate that the growth of cultural tourism is strongly influenced by dynamic processes, including better infrastructure, more cultural interchange, and easier accessibility, particularly in CPEC regions. Furthermore, non-CPEC regions exhibit minor advantages in terms of indirect economic gains and increased accessibility, highlighting the ongoing inequalities. DISCUSSION: These findings provide empirical insights into the regional impacts of large-scale initiatives, such as CPEC, and draw attention to government intervention, equitable resource allocation, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve long-term cultural tourism.