Optimizing Tour Route Planning for Old Streets: The Case of Taichung Nantun Old Street in Taiwan

Abstract

It is very important for tourists to optimize the tour route planning in advance. This article presents a quantifying and planning method for the optimal tour route of an old street based on an algebraic matrix technique. A quantified structure matrix (QISM) that combines the quantifying evaluation method and the interpretive structural model (ISM) is established. The proposed QISM is a Boolean matrix that can quantify the dependency and interaction strength between two tour spots and optimize tour route planning. Clustering and tearing algorithms are utilized to restructure a QISM, allowing the interdependent relationships within tour spots in the route planning process to be obtained. A systematic clustering method that is efficient and yet flexible is developed for tour route planning based on the transitive rule. The proposed QISM can enhance the performance of tour route planning management by reducing visit time, offering tour route variety, and raising tour satisfaction. A case study of Taichung Nantun Old Street is employed to illustrate the proposed method. We hope the results of this study can satisfy the needs of tourists and promote the development of old street sightseeing.