Hat benefits:The impact of national sports and leisure characteristic towns on the local economy
National sports and leisure characteristic town is an important way taken by the government to promote the development of sports industry and the integration of urban and rural areas.Based on the panel data of 274 prefecture level cities nationwide from 2010 to 2021,this paper used the Difference-in-differences method to identify the policy effect and impact mechanism of national sports and leisure characteristic towns on the local economy.The results showed that:①National sports and leisure characteristic towns failed to promote the local economic development during the study period,and the results were robust.②The economic impact of nation-al sports and leisure characteristic towns lagged behind,showing a positive trend about 5 years after the implementation of the policy.③National sports and leisure characteristic town acted on the local economy mainly through government financial expenditure,infrastruc-ture construction and industry structure upgrade.④The economic impact of national sports and leisure characteristic towns had regional heterogeneity and scale heterogeneity.The economic impetus to the eastern and small-medium cities were better than the mid-western and large cities.Based on the above,the local governments needed to provide reasonable policy support,build a corresponding manage-ment system,improve infrastructure construction and optimize industrial structure.At the same time,it was notable to establish the con-cept of sustainable development,focus on long-term benefits,impel cooperation and sharing among regions,and promote the free flow of elements and information.
national sports and leisure characteristic towneconomic developmentDifference-in-difference methodurbaniza-tionsafeguard measures