Knowledge of tourist spatial behaviour to improve Melaka world heritage site management

A significant relationship between tourists' non-spatial and spatial characteristics was identified, suggesting that integrating these factors can enhance the understanding of tourist behavior within UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS). This study, conducted on 384 independent tourists in Melaka, utilized trip diaries and GPS tracking apps to capture detailed itineraries. By employing an aggregative analysis method, distinct patterns were extracted from individual routes, providing a comprehensive perspective on how spatial and non-spatial attributes influence tourist movements. The findings underscore the importance of considering both types of characteristics for developing effective visitor management plans that preserve the Outstanding Universal Value of WHS.

Md Khairi, N. D., Ismail, H. N., & Syed Jaafar, S. M. R. (2021). Knowledge of tourist spatial behaviour to improve Melaka world heritage site management. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 8(1), 88–106. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijtc-01-2021-0018