Intra-attraction Tourist Spatial-Temporal Behaviour Patterns

• Published in: Tourism geographies Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. 625 - 645
• Main Authors: Huang, Xiao-ting, Wu, Bi-hu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01-11-2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: China; Choices; Geography; Management; Marketing; Noncitizens; Products; Qualitative analysis; Quantitative analysis; Spatial analysis; Summer Palace; time-geography; time-space path; Tourism; Tourist attractions; Tourist behaviour; tourist spatial-temporal behaviour patterns
• ISSN: 1461-6688; 1470-1340
• DOI: 10.1080/14616688.2012.647322

This paper focuses on tourist spatial-temporal behaviour patterns and develops a combination approach to clarify such behaviour patterns quantitatively and qualitatively using the concept of the space-time path of time geography. A case study of the Summer Palace verifies that this approach is feasible. Tourist spatial-temporal behaviour can be described and determined by temporal behaviour factors, spatial behaviour factors, activity choice factors and path characteristics factors. The research results of the Summer Palace case study revealed seven clusters of spatial-temporal behaviour patterns. Temporal behaviour factors made the largest contribution to the clustering analysis, and the phenomenon of space-time tension was clearly present in tourists' behaviour in the Summer Palace. Tourists' stay time displayed a clear decreasing trend, with an increase in the constraint of exit time. Describing and portraying tourist spatial-temporal behaviour patterns results in a better understanding of tourist activities. A better understanding of tourist behaviour patterns may, in turn, provide a scientific basis for industry practices, such as attraction management, product renewal and attraction marketing. This study has practical significance for the upgrading of attraction facilities and the ultimate improvement of the quality of tourist experiences.