<p>Enhancing tourism efficiency is crucial for the development of the tourism industry. This study analyzes the spatial-temporal patterns of tourism efficiency and the spatial heterogeneity of its driving forces in Guizhou Province, proposing targeted strategies for enhancing tourism efficiency that account for regional differences. Utilizing super-slacks-based measurement and exploratory spatial-temporal data analysis methods, we examined the efficiency evolution across all 88 counties in Guizhou from 2009 to 2019. Additionally, we developed a driving force analysis model that combines geographically detector with regression analysis, allowing for the selection of key influencing factors through a multi-dimensional index system, followed by geographically weighted regression. This approach reveals critical factors driving tourism efficiency and offers actionable, differentiated recommendations for improving it in Guizhou’s counties. The analysis found significant spatial heterogeneity in tourism efficiency, with the average integrated efficiency stabilizing around 0.45. Notably, pure technical efficiency remained high at approximately 0.82, while scale efficiency fluctuated around 0.5. The year 2016 marked a turning point in the development of tourism in Guizhou, dividing it into two phases: stable growth and rapid growth. The driving force analysis showed that the impact of various factors exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, leading to the categorization of regions into zones for technological enhancement, scale input enhancement, resource allocation enhancement, and comprehensive improvement. Based on these findings, differentiated strategies were proposed: eastern regions should focus on market expansion, western regions on market circulation and human capital development, and central regions on strengthening infrastructure and optimizing industrial structures.</p>