Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with, including a great many sequences within a single graph results in an end product
that resembles a particularly chaotic junction. This creates severe visual diffi culties, as it is
virtually impossible to distinguish one strand from another. Then there is the fact that it
is diffi cult, if not impossible, to construct, using this method, a typology of sequences
based on the data amassed. In other words, one is left with a lot of data and information, but
without the ability to generalise. Recently a method to tackle this challenge by using sequence
alignment methods (SAM) was presented by Shoval and Isaacson (2007b).
Potential contribution of time geography to tourism research
The second part of this chapter will commence by presenting the adaptation of time
geography constraints for tourists' time-space activity:
1.
Capability constraints
, the need for a minimum amount of sleep and food, which, of
course, limits the amount of time available for travelling and touring; the kind of transport
used - bicycle, rented car, train or aeroplane - which marks the boundaries of the territory
within which tourists pursue their trips. In the case of tourists the stay in the destination
varies and therefore the length of visit is a constraining factor that changes the spectrum
of opportunities for the tourists.
2.
Coupling constraints
, which is the need to meet and team up with other individuals in the
visitor group or in the case of an organised group at particular locations and for set time
periods. The spatial activity of individual tourists and the geographic range of their activi-
ties in a destination will be completely different from that of organised groups, as they are
personally responsible for selecting the particular tourist sites to be visited. This is the most
absolute distinction between types of tourists in terms of space-time activity. The differ-
ences between these two types stem primarily from the 'rigidity' of the organised groups'
itineraries in contrast with the greater freedom the individual tourist experiences when
choosing sites to visit.
3.
Authority constraints
, for example the existence of opening hours for museums and visitor
attractions, and train timetables. However, the central parameter for segmenting tourists
into types, employed by national and international agencies and in academic research, is
the 'main purpose of the visit' (Page and Hall, 2003). Purpose of visit has a direct impact
on the spectrum of possibilities available to the tourist: tourists who travel for business or
to visit friends and relatives will be less likely to visit tourist sites than tourists who travel
for the specifi c purpose of touring and sightseeing.
The 'constraining' variables and the principles underlying the spatial activity of local residents
and tourists are very different. This stems from the fact that the activity of the local resident
tends to be the outcome of long-term decisions, whereas the activity of the tourist tends
to originate from short-term decisions. The day-to-day activity of the local resident is
determined by decisions regarding career choices, selection of workplace, place of residence,
and various other factors. Such decisions are largely infl uenced by the individual's education,
age, gender and income level. For example, factors such as gender and income, which are
important in explaining the spatial activity of individuals in everyday life (Hanson and
Hanson, 1981), will be less meaningful in explaining the activity of these same individuals in
a destination in which they are visitors.
In contrast to the local resident, the tourist is unencumbered by such long-term decisions
because, as implied by his or her tourist identity, he or she will stay in the city only for a
