How to quantify and characterize day trippers at the local level

Abstract

This article presents a methodology for the operational definition, quantification and characterization of day trippers, for use at the local or regional levels. The methodology stresses the importance of such concepts as 'daily urban systems', 'functional areas', 'travel-to-work areas' and other similar aggregations to define what is one of the main features of tourism: 'usual environment'. Different systems are developed for the quantification of day trippers, based on both primary (fieldwork) and secondary data, and we apply both to the case of a comarca in the Province of Barcelona (Catalonia). The results show the relevance of the phenomenon of 'sameday trips' (for tourism) and the interest for defining and characterizing this phenomenon correctly in order to implement tourism policies that address the different profiles presented by day trippers.

Municipal Tourism Planning in an Island Territory: The Case of Ribeira Grande in the Azores

“…in the public and the private sectors were still very amateurish. Suriñach et al (2017) and Romero et al (2019) have mentioned these constraints to tourism planning. Consequently, this situation has led to the need to collect data from primary sources, using questionnaires, interviews, and checklists, in order to produce relevant information for supporting the decision-making process.…”

“…Additionally, it is relevant to highlight that the lack of information at the local level is a problem that has also been detected by Romero et al (2019) and Suriñach et al (2017). It imposes greater challenges when developing a strategic planning process at a subnational level.…”

Tourist satisfaction with the Municipality of Ponta Delgada (Azores)

“…Lorenzini et al(2011) note that the analysis of destination competitiveness has been significantly more developed at the national level than at the local level, despite the latter being more determinant of a country's tourism competitiveness. Suriñach et al(2017) state that, at the local level, there has been a large lack of quantitative and statistical information, contrary to what happens at the national level. Phillips and Moutinho (2014) sustain the criticality of strategic planning in tourism, as it enables the ability to shape opportunities for competitive advantages and provides direction for stakeholders.…”

“…According to Suriñach et al(2017), gathering detailed and up-to-date information about visitors has become essential for policymakers. Nevertheless, although there are many analyses to tourism numbers at a national level, a lack of relevant statistical information was revealed when it is referred to the local level.To overcome this constraint, Couto et al(2017)structured a questionnaire to gather more detailed information on the touristic demand in the municipality of Ribeira Grande (a neighbouring municipality of Ponta Delgada) in the diagnostic phase of the framework that was implemented to develop a tourism strategic plan at the local level.…”

An operational definition of day trips: Methodological proposal and application to the case of the province of Barcelona

“…In addition, the article applies this theoretical framework to the province of Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). It must be said that in Suriñach et al (2017) a first approach to the concept of usual environment is presented, in order to apply it in all developments carried out.…”