Analyzing travel mobility patterns in city destinations: Implications for destination design. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Park, Sangwon; Zu, Jinyan; Xu, Yang; Zhang, Fan; Liu, Yu; Li, Jingyan
• Is Part Of: Tourism management. Volume 96(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Tourist Mobility -- Travel activity type -- Place design -- Mobile phone data -- Destination function; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2022.104718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5177

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding the features of travel activities is important in elaborating travel behaviors and segmenting travelers based on the similarity of activity patterns. This research applying mobile big data analytics suggests a novel method to classify travelers by considering the sequences of travel activity with individuals' trajectories. The result revealed five distinct travel types visiting city destinations and demonstrated dynamic travel flow among different mobility types. Recognizing that different types of travel patterns present important information in understanding destinations' roles (or functions), this study attempts to characterize the functionality dynamics of city destinations based on travel activity types. As a result, the findings of this research provide insights into the demand-driven construct (or flow-based) of destination planning, which is the foundation of smart destination design. In addition, important methodological and practical implications that could be useful for city destination planners/designers are suggested.