Methodological considerations when mapping tourist movements in a destination

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discuss some of the operational challenges involved in conducting a broad-based study tracking the movements of tourists within a destination. The authors report on their experiences in conducting a study of tourist movements in Hong Kong. In particular, the article discusses the merits of using different emerging digital tracking technologies and trialing the use of tracking through the mobile phone system. The trial failed due primarily to a lack of cooperation from tourists. They found this technology too invasive. The article concludes with a discussion of factors that others may want to consider when considering conducting similar research.