DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore the spatiotemporal behavior characteristics and temporal constraint factors of self-driving tourists in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region using GPS trajectory data.

Methodology

The study collected GPS data of self-driving tourists in Inner Mongolia from 2017 to 2022 from the online platform "Foooooot" using Python. The methodology involved analyzing spatial behavior by examining the relationship between points of interest and roads/attractions, and temporal behavior by analyzing intra-annual and quarterly variations. Data collection adhered to privacy and ethical guidelines, collecting only anonymized data.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Collect GPS Data 2017-2022 from 'Foooooot'"] --> B["Process and Clean Data"];
    B --> C["Analyze Spatial Behavior"];
    B --> D["Analyze Temporal Behavior"];
    C --> E["Identify Spatial Distribution and Density"];
    D --> F["Examine Visiting Duration, Annual/Seasonal Variations"];
    E --> G["Analyze Destination Selection and Route Patterns"];
    F --> G;
    G --> H["Compare Pre- and Post-Pandemic Behavior"];
    H --> I["Formulate Conclusions and Implications"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-driving tourist behavior, leading to shorter trips, reduced stay durations, and a shift towards more localized and linear travel. The findings suggest a transition from multi-point stays and circular routes to fixed-point stays and linear routes, with a faster tourism pace. This adaptation is driven by increased attention to safety and hygiene, and the demand for short-distance travel.

Key Findings

- Temporal: Pre-pandemic (2017-2019), self-driving tourists had longer stays (1-20 days, mostly 3-day stays). Post-pandemic (2020-2022), durations decreased to 1-2 days. Annual peaks were in June and October pre-pandemic, with reduced fluctuations post-pandemic but an increase from October to December. Seasonal differences were significant pre-pandemic (peaks in summer/autumn), with reduced variation post-pandemic.
- Spatial: Self-driving routes formed three main routes (eastern, central, western) with higher connectivity density in the east. Pre-pandemic, the eastern region had higher tourist density. Post-pandemic, a downward trend in density was observed in the eastern region.
- Destination Selection: Pre-pandemic, tourists came from economically developed areas (Beijing, Tianjin). Post-pandemic, provincial tourists became the main force, with shorter routes and a shift from circular to linear travel patterns.

Conclusion

The study concludes that self-driving tourism in Inner Mongolia has undergone significant spatiotemporal changes, influenced by global events like the pandemic. These changes reflect evolving tourist preferences for safety, convenience, and shorter travel distances, necessitating adjustments in tourism planning and resource utilization.

Fact Check

- The study collected GPS data from 2017 to 2022.
- Self-driving tourism accounted for over 50% of tourism transportation methods in Inner Mongolia in 2020-2021.
- The study compares data from two periods: 2017-2019 and 2020-2022.

Mind Map