Spatiotemporal tourist behaviour in urban destinations: a framework of analysis

Abstract

Empirical research focusing on time–space tourist activity has increased in recent years, since new technological tools make it possible as never before to accurately track tourists’ movements. Nonetheless, the published studies are inconsistent when assessing spatiotemporal tourist behaviour (STTB), hindering the development of a solid research base that permits replication of and comparison amongst studies. The incipient conceptualization of STTB leads to the present inconsistency of assessment indicators used in empirical research, which will probably be stressed in the future. Continuous technological evolution will allow the collection of new kinds of data, whose analysis will certainly result in a better understanding of STTB, especially if structured by a consistent taxonomy. Aiming to address this gap, the theoretical underpinnings of the multidimensional concept of STTB are reviewed and a conceptual model is proposed, based on a behavioural perspective and for the urban intra-destination context, as a comprehensive framework of analysis. Further, the systematization of the indicators used in previous research to assess STTB, its influential factors, and other methodological aspects regarding its assessment, as well as practical implications and future research directions are discussed.