Developing a visitor decision support system for natural tourist destinations

As the number of tourists/visitors and particularly nature-based tourists to any particular protected area increases, management of the visitors and providing them with the facility to support their recreation or holiday planning is increasingly becoming important and popular. Walking, one of the most popular nature-based activities in natural locations provides opportunities for visitors to experience and explore natural environments and enjoy the beauty of landscape. The quality of visitor experiences along walking tracks could be increased if visitors have the potential to select appropriate walks from among the available walking tracks in terms of their time availability, ability and desire in a natural tourist destination. <br><br>A visitor decision support system is developed in this research project to support visitors in making their decision on a suitable walking track when they are faced with a number of alternative track options. The system is developed using geo-visualisation approach in GIS and a geo-visualisation tool, Google Earth. The system is developed through a case study approach. Mornington Peninsula National Park, Victoria, Australia was selected as the study area to apply and evaluate the system. The Park offers a wide range of walking track options with various spatial characteristics such as track length, track slope and track surface type. <br>Literature reviews and a visitor preference survey were used to find out the most important factors for visitors on selection of a walking track. This resulted in identifying a set of key visitor preference factors including track location, track length and duration of walking time, available sights (scenic attractions), degree of difficulty, track information and available recreational activities and facilities. Considering the key visitor preference factors, a spatial database was built using existing data and data collected through a field survey using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and photography. <br><br>The key factors were used as a base to determine a series of walking track selection criteria. The criteria can be used to support visitors in selecting a walking track through two main sections of the system: GIS-based section and geo-visualisation section. Through the GIS-based section a query selection form is available. The form consists of a set of criteria including track geographical location, duration of walking time, track slope and track surface type. Each criterion includes a range of track characteristic classes. Through the geo-visualisation section, more information was added to Google Earth including opportunity for sightseeing and recreational activities as well as information about track safety, boardwalks, steps, ramps, track width and existing recreational facilities and information centres. <br><br>Using a sample user survey the system was evaluated. The evaluation outcomes proved that the system is useful in supporting users to find their desired walking track from among a number of available alternatives. The developed system provides the possibility of having an optimum (most favourable under given circumstances) and better quality walking experience by offering more detailed data about the tracks.