Title: Connecting people, cultures, and skills: BRI's influence on tourism and human capital

Authors: Aamir Shahzad; Syed Mudasser Abbas; Wisal Ahmad

Addresses: Institute of Business Studies, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000, Pakistan ' Institute of Business Studies, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000, Pakistan ' Institute of Business Studies, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000, Pakistan

Abstract: The paper investigates the social effects of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), concentrating on tourism and human capital in the participating nations. The BRI long-term global development plan seeks to improve connectivity and collaboration amongst member countries. As a result, there are now more tourists visiting these nations, which has helped them develop the talents, creativity, language ability, and training that are essential for creating human capital. Understanding social and economic progress, global competitiveness, and general well-being all depend heavily on education. But there are drawbacks to the flood of visitors as well, like deteriorating environmental conditions, commercialisation of culture, and social problems related to travel. This paper presents strategies for policymakers to enhance the positive effects of tourism while minimising its negative consequences by comparing economic integration and a range of experiences among BRI host countries.

Keywords: human capital development; BRI projects; social impact; tourism growth; tourist host interactions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.148840

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2025 Vol.25 No.3, pp.241 - 261

Received: 18 May 2024
Accepted: 30 Aug 2024
Published online: 29 Sep 2025 *

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