Visitor Behavior Research Articles

Antecedents of cave visitors’ revisit intentions in the context of self-determination theory: a case study on Dupnisa Cave visitors in Turkey

ABSTRACT Based on self-determination theory as a conceptual framework, the aim of this study is to reveal the relationships amongst cave visitors’ experiences, motivation, satisfaction and revisit intention. In order to test the conceptual model designed in line with the objectives of the study, a survey was conducted amongst a sample of 312 visitors to Dupnisa Cave in Turkey. The analysis showed that visitors’ motivation and cave experience positively influenced their satisfaction. Moreover, satisfaction has an effect on visitors’ revisit intention. This study is one of the first to attempt to reveal the nature of future behaviour of cave visitors within the context of self-determination theory.

A telehealth application for adequate hospital visit advice by physicians affected users’ subsequent hospital visit behavior: a historical cohort study with machine learning

IntroductionThe effectiveness of telehealth strategies toward support for adequate hospital visits is vital. We examined whether individuals who received advice from a physician via an online application subsequently visited hospitals. Further, we examined the background factors associated with their hospital visit behavior.MethodsWe used machine learning to examine whether chief complaint, medical advice, and user background characteristics could be used to predict their subsequent hospital visit.ResultsAmong 7,152 participants, those in their 30s were the most frequent users. The proportion of each medical advice was significantly different between the group that did and the one that did not follow physicians’ advice. We further performed supervised machine learning using random forest modeling to categorize those who (1) followed physicians’ advice or (2) did not follow physicians’ advice. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.677. Consequently, the aforementioned model soundly categorized whether users followed physicians’ advice. Chief complaint and medical advice were the most important variables to predict whether users followed the advice.DiscussionThe telehealth system to provide support for adequate hospital visits influenced patients’ subsequent hospital visit behavior. Patients’ chief complaint was the most important variable in discriminating whether users followed physicians’ advice.

Network science for museums.

This paper introduces network science to museum studies. The spatial structure of the museum and the exhibit display largely determine what visitors see and in which order, thereby shaping their visit experience. Despite the importance of spatial properties in museum studies, few scientific tools have been developed to analyze and compare the results across museums. This paper introduces the six habitually used network science indices and assesses their applicability to museum studies. Network science is an empirical research field that focuses on analyzing the relationships between components in an attempt to understand how individual behaviors can be converted into collective behaviors. By taking the museum and the visitors as the network, this methodology could reveal unknown aspects of museum functions and visitor behavior, which could enhance exhibition knowledge and lead to better methods for creating museum narratives along the routes.

Research and Application of AI-Based Interactive Exhibits in Wuhan Museum of Science and Technology

This article aims to explore the development and application of AI-based interactive exhibits in Wuhan Museumof Science and Technology. By utilizing computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning technologies, an innovative exhibit development and application system is proposed. This system employs deep learning algorithms and data analysis methods to achieve real-time perception of visitor behavior and adaptive interaction. The development process involves designing user interfaces and interaction methods to effectively enhance visitor engagement and learning outcomes. Through evaluation and comparison in practical applications, the potential of this system in enhancing exhibit interaction, increasing visitor engagement, improving educational effectiveness, and expanding avenues for scientific knowledge dissemination are validated.

The role of eco-attraction in the intention to conduct low-carbon actions: a study of visitor behavior in urban forests

Purpose One of the crucial elements of addressing global climate challenges through urban tourism is the continuing existence of urban forests. The reasoning is that the ecological attraction of urban forests can impact visitors’ intention to conduct pro-environmental behavior, including low-carbon actions. Thus, more visitors to urban forests will positively affect enhancing the quality of the urban environment. However, the extent to which ecological attraction can influence pro-environmental behavior warrants further investigation due to the complexity of psychosocial factors that impact behavioral intention. The main objective of this research is to examine the effects of the ecological attractiveness of urban forests on the pro-environmental behavior of visitors by exploring motivation, ecological experience, perceived value and knowledge as mediators. Moreover, whether the nature of the urban forest and facilities attract visitors simultaneously is also studied. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 615 respondents who visited three urban forests in Bandung, the second-most populous city in Indonesia, by five-point Likert questionnaires. As an analytical tool, SEM PLS was applied to establish the effect of the ecological performance of the urban forest on the increase in environmentally conscious behavior among urban forest visitors. Findings The findings demonstrate that the attractiveness of an urban forest affects the growth of environmentally responsible behaviors. Nonetheless, the attractiveness of urban forests is dictated more by their infrastructure than their ecological function. On the contrary, the visitors’ knowledge level can improve their motivation, environmental experience and perceived environmental value. These findings show the significance of developing educational programs with an emphasis on the experience of the visitors so that their ecological performance can contribute to improved low-carbon behavior. In conclusion, this work contributes to the management of sustainable urban tourism. Research limitations/implications This work also has some limitations. First, the medium R-square on intention behavior to low-carbon action suggests investigating other influential factors to produce a more robust conscious behavior. Mkono and Hughes (2020) mention that many complex factors that cause positive intention do not necessarily lead to environmental action. Thus, many psychosocial variables need to be explored in different models. Second, the convenient sampling used here does not represent the whole population, making generalization difficult. Thus, further work needs to apply more rigorous sampling techniques to validate the findings. Further investigations may also need to be conducted in other urban forests in another Asian country with a similar and different social context for benchmarking, as this study found that the type of attractive urban forest design is a more dense forest, which differs from other studies based in Europe. Exploring more influencing behavioral factors of pro-environmental action in the model is also suggested. Thus, we could contribute more to support recreational activities in urban forests. Practical implications As an implication for planning an urban forest to increase its recreational function, the authors illustrate the importance of producing educational programs. Although the improved knowledge of visitors has been shown to strengthen their commitment to perform pro-environmental actions, the mediating role of motivation, experience and perceived value reveals that some activities are required to achieve visitor motivation to actual behavior. Consequently, designing an urban forest requires not only the enhancement of eco-attractions and artificial elements for the convenience of visitors but also the development of an environmental education program that can improve visitors’ environmental experience and perception of ecological value. The designed educational program may use an experiential education approach incorporating objective knowledge of Earth’s current state. The urban forest education program must encourage visitors’ connection and participation with nature. Moreover, knowledge and information about Earth’s environmental quality can increase visitors’ perceived value, ensuring that their activities in the urban forest contribute to improved health, environmental quality and social environment. Thus, with well-managed and provided education, they are encouraged to adopt low-carbon action because it complements their contribution to a better quality environment. Originality/value The theoretical contribution of this research is generated through the role of urban forest attractiveness in the intention to conduct low-carbon action, which influences solutions to existing urban environmental problems. This work exhibits that both ecological attractiveness and attractiveness of artificial elements in urban forests can attract visitors and subsequently boost their outdoor recreation motivation, ecological experience and perceived value and then turn them to boost their intention to conduct low-carbon action. The physical characteristics of a site are behavioral stimuli that can increase a person’s motivation, experience and perception of the value of the environment, thereby increasing their intention to engage in low-carbon actions. This environment behavioral construction is fundamental in understanding that urban forests offer ecological benefits and influence the social quality of urban communities. Nevertheless, without visitor activity, urban forests are merely physical entities that become increasingly demanding to maintain. Due to this, an urban forest that is socially active and has an influence on promoting environmentally conscious behavior is needed, and its presence is becoming ever more crucial. This work shows the significance of integrating psychosocial approaches into managing tourism in urban forests.

Wildlife charisma and pro-environmental behaviour：A perspective from self-transcendent emotions theory

The pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) of visitors is critical to wildlife and habitat conservation. Using self-transcendent emotions theory, this study extends the literature on PEB in terms of wildlife charisma. This study specifically investigates the impact of wildlife charisma on PEB by addressing the mediating role of the emotional experience of awe and moderating role of literary association. Data were collected from 364 domestic tourists who visited a red-crowned crane reserve in China, which find that awe mediates the impact of wildlife charisma on PEB. Findings suggest that literary association plays a positive moderating role on the relationship between wildlife charisma and awe. This study not only verifies the original theoretical framework of self-transcendent emotions but also enriches the understanding of the factors that prompt the experience of awe through natural beauty within this framework. By introducing literary association, it offers a more comprehensive explanation of the relationship from appreciating beauty to experiencing awe. Wildlife reserve managers should not only emphasize the natural beauty of animals but also consider the connection between relevant wildlife and local cultural elements. This can guide people to appreciate the beauty of red-crowned crane and, in turn, influence visitors’ PEB.

Post-Occopancy Evaluation of Hasanuddin University Urban Park

Urban Park is one of the public open spaces that play a role in preserving the environment. Hasanuddin University Urban Park is known as the lungs of Makassar City. The key of a public open space is influenced by a few ideal criterias based on the ideal criteria for public open space according to Kathleen Madden and the Project for Public Space used in this study, such as: (a) Sociability (social interaction that occurs); (b) Uses and activities; (c) Access and Linkages, and (d) Comfort and Image (a comfortable and interesting place to visit). This study aims to (1) Identify the condition of the Hasanuddin University Urban Park based on the ideal criterias for public open space according to Kathleen Madden and Project for Public Space; (2) Describe the influence of visitor behavior refer to the condition of Hasanuddin University Urban Park. This study uses a descriptive analysis methods and place centered mapping analysis methods, the data collection techniques is using data triangulation (observations, interviews, and secondary data). The result and discussion shows that the condition of the Hasanuddin University Urban Park refer to the ideal criteria for public open space according to Kathleen Madden and Project for Public Space, is some aspects of intangibles and aspects of measurements have not met the criteria. Visitor behavior that occurs in urban parks is influenced by the condition of existing park facilities and attributes such as visitor parking behavior, visitor environmental hygiene behavior and visitor alert behavior.
 Keywords: Evaluation of post-occupancy; ideal criteria for public open space; urban parks; visitor behavior.

Environmental awareness as a transfiguring factor of the sustainable behavior of the visitor to the Lachay National Reserve

The objective of the research was to understand and explain the relationship between environmental awareness as a factor in transforming the sustainable behavior of visitors to the Lachay National Reserve. The research type is applied, with a mixed research approach and descriptive research method, using a sequential explanatory mixed method and a non-experimental and cross-sectional research design, with a correlational and explanatory scope. The population consisted of 19,326 visitors, with a quantitative method sample of 377 visitors and a qualitative method reaching saturation level in 15 interviews. The applied techniques included observation, document analysis, structured interviews, and surveys. The research resulted in the rejection of the null hypothesis in the quantitative analysis, confirming that environmental awareness is linked to the transformation of sustainable behavior among visitors to the Lachay National Reserve, with a Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient of 0.584, which is statistically significant and moderately positive, with a p-value of 0.000. In the qualitative analysis, environmental awareness transforms sustainable behavior through psychological factors such as environmental-cognitive knowledge, allowing the identification of environmental concerns, and landscape-affective factors. The interaction of cognitive and affective factors enables the generation of pro-environmental behaviors and attitudes

Changes in Social Media Big Data on Healing Forests: A Time-Series Analysis on the Use Behavior of Healing Forests before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

This study aimed to identify changes in visitor behavior and visitor interest in healing forests before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used text mining analysis techniques to identify changes in visitation behavior over time, divided into three periods, as follows: pre-COVID-19 (1 January to 31 December 2019), during the COVID-19 pandemic (1 November 2020 to 31 October 2022), and post-COVID-19 (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023). After the COVID-19 outbreak, healing forest use behavior did not revert to pre-COVID-19 patterns. Moreover, the keywords “tourism” and “hiking” stood out as the main drivers of this change in behavior. Therefore, the Korea Forest Service and related authorities must examine the scalability of the functions, services, and programs of healing forests from a general healing space to a space for leisure and tourism. These findings will contribute to the development of future marketing strategies and programs for healing forests.

Lack of pollinators selects for increased selfing, restricted gene flow and resource allocation in the rare Mediterranean sage Salvia brachyodon

Range contraction and habitat fragmentation can cause biodiversity loss by creating conditions that directly or indirectly affect the survival of plant populations. Fragmented habitats can alter pollinator guilds and impact their behavior, which may result in pollen/pollinator limitation and selection for increased selfing as a mechanism for reproductive assurance. We used Salvia brachyodon, a narrowly distributed and endangered sage from eastern Adriatic, to test the consequences of range contraction and habitat fragmentation. Molecular data indicate a severe and relatively recent species range reduction. While one population is reproductively almost completely isolated, moderate gene flow has been detected between the remaining two populations. The high pollen-to-ovule ratio and the results of controlled hand pollination indicate that S. brachyodon has a mixed mating system. Quantitative and qualitative differences in the community and behaviour of flower visitors resulted in limited pollination services in one population where no effective pollinator other than pollen and nectar robbers were observed. In this population, self-pollination predominated over cross-pollination. Various environmental factors, in which plant-pollinator interactions play a pivotal role, have likely created selection pressures that have led to genetic and phenotypic differentiation and different resource allocation strategies among populations.

Demand-driven Urban Facility Visit Prediction

Predicting citizens’ visiting behaviors to urban facilities is instrumental for city governors and planners to detect inequalities in urban opportunities and optimize the distribution of facilities and resources. Previous works predict facility visits simply using observed visit behavior, yet citizens’ intrinsic demands for facilities are not characterized explicitly, causing potential incorrect learned relations in the prediction results. In this article, to make up for this deficiency, we present a demand-driven urban facility visit prediction method that decomposes citizens’ visits to facilities into their unobservable demands and their capability to fulfill them. Demands are expressed as the function of regional demographic attributes by a neural network, and the fulfillment capability is determined by the urban region’s spatial accessibility to facilities. Extensive evaluations of datasets of three large cities confirm the efficiency and rationality of our model. Our method outperforms the best state-of-the-art model by 8.28% on average in facility visit prediction tasks. Further analyses demonstrate the reasonableness of recovered facility demands and their relationship with citizen demographics. For instance, senior citizens tend to have higher medical demands but lower shopping demands. Meanwhile, estimated capabilities and accessibilities provide deeper insights into the decaying accessibility with respect to spatial distance and facilities’ diverse functions in the urban environment. Our findings shed light on demand-driven urban data mining and demand-based urban facility planning.

Wildlife and public perceptions of opportunities for psychological restoration in local natural settings

Abstract Wildlife might be important to psychologically restorative values and disvalues of nature, as interactions with wildlife could trigger both positive and negative feelings. Research on positive experiences of human–wildlife interactions has largely involved participants who voluntarily sought out wildlife experiences or it has addressed encounters with non‐threatening animals in urban green spaces. Less is known about the opportunities for psychological restoration in landscapes shared with mammals that are perceived to pose a threat to human activities and health. This study provides a nuanced understanding of the role of wildlife in public perceptions of the restorative potential and experience of psychological restoration in local natural settings. Twenty‐eight participants (15 women, 13 men, 18–75 years) took part in focus group interviews subject to a reflexive thematic analysis. As an analytical framework, we used a theoretical model for how people appraise the relevance, implications, coping potential and norm congruence of human–wildlife interactions and how such appraisals may support or hinder the restoration experienced in local natural settings. Relevance appraisals revealed shifts in consideration of the presence of wildlife from an integrated part of the natural scenery (background) to a distinct figure (foreground). Implication appraisals revealed that wildlife encounters would hinder the experienced psychological restoration if the animal was appraised as dangerous, disgusting, causing a nuisance or destructive. Wildlife encounters would promote restoration if the animal displayed attractive traits, features or fascinating behaviour or movements, and if it opened engaging interaction situations. Coping strategies perceived as feasible to deal with negative implications of wildlife involved avoidance of the local natural setting, preparatory behaviour displayed before a visit and precautionary behaviour displayed during the visit. Important public health effects might be gained if wildlife policy and management explicitly consider what animals mean to the perceived restorative potential of local natural settings. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Recreational mobility prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession negatively affected many people’s physical, social, and psychological health and has been shown to change population-level mobility, but little attention has been given to park visitations as an indicator. Estimating the frequency of park visitations from aggregated mobility data of all the parks in Washington State (USA), we study trends in park use one year prior to and two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate that the gravity model is a robust model for the park visitation behavior in different spatial resolutions of city level and state level and different socio-economical classes. Incorporating network structure, our detailed analysis highlights that high-income level residents changed their recreational behavior by visiting their local parks more and a broader recreational options outside of their local census area; whereas the low-income residents changed their visitation behavior by reducing their recreational choices.

Effect of international food tourists’ food experiences on place attachment and behavioral intentions: The moderating role of food variety seeking tendency

This study aims to develop a framework for determining the underpinning factors behind international food tourists’ intentions for food-based visit behavior. Specifically, by engaging food tourists in a systematic study, this study investigates the direct and indirect predictive effects of food tourist local food experiences (LFEs), perceptions of experiential value (EV), and satisfaction with food experiences on place attachment (PA) and behavioral intentions (BIs). Data were collected using a questionnaire from 451 food tourists who participated in a food tour for a day or longer in Istanbul. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. The findings demonstrate that LFE significantly influences EV, PA and satisfaction (SAS). Second, EV, PA and SAS were found to be significant predictors of BI. Third, food variety seeking (VARSEEK) was found to have a moderating effect between LFE and PA while weakening tourist PA. The study provides new insights into tourist dining experiences and offers a number of recommendations for destination managers and stakeholders to enrich tourist experiences.

Pola Perilaku Pengunjung terhadap Tata Ruang di Homwok “Authentic Coffee” Sutomo sebagai Respons dari Strategi Branding

Title: Visitor Behavior Settings Towards Spatial Layout at Homwok “Authentic Coffee” Sutomo as a Response to Branding Strategy
 As a student city, Yogyakarta presents business opportunities for coffee shops to create spaces supporting student and worker activities such as reunions, studying together, or doing assignments. The large business opportunities are balanced with many competitors, so coffee shop entrepreneurs must develop their businesses creatively. One strategy that can be used is through an interior arrangement that can support target market activities. Homwok “Authentic Coffee” Sutomo is a coffee shop in the city of Yogyakarta that uses a branding strategy to give visitors an impression represented in the layout of the space and furniture. The method used in this research is direct observation using behavior mapping techniques to determine the condition of the space and its influence on visitor behavior patterns. Through this research, the author found that spatial planning, including dividing zones according to visitor activities and choosing the type of furniture, can influence visitor behavior patterns.

Codes of Conduct at Zoos: A Case Study of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Zoos consistently implement codes of conduct in efforts to manage visitor behaviour. However, few studies have examined the use of the codes of conduct in zoos, even though they carry significant ethical implications regarding the relationship between humans and animals in society. This study provides an explorative investigation into the use of codes of conduct at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Panda Base). Positioning the Panda Base as a place to negotiate the boundaries between humans and animals, this study surveyed visitors’ initial engagement with the Base’s code of conduct, their compliance with the code, and their assessment of the code. The findings point to a significant disparity between how visitors engage with and perceive the value of the code, which failed to prevent visitors from having close contact with animals at the Panda Base. We argue that Foucault’s philosophy on taboos in modern society can help us understand the ineffectiveness of the codes of conduct in zoos. However, Kant’s philosophy can orient human-animal interactions more ethically and provide an opportunity to consider the significance of codes of conduct in zoos. Suggestions for improving the effectiveness of codes of conduct at zoos are provided.

Design Management of Environmental Access Security in Priority Spatial Spaces for Green Open Space (OGS) Tropical City Surabaya - Indonesia with CPTED Approach to Reduce the Impact of Visitor Vandalism

This research examines environmental and social problems with a security design solution approach for green open spaces in tropical city parks related to negative visitor behavior, especially in the form of vandalism which can cause damage to facilities and vegetation in areas with dense and varied visitor activities. This research was conducted in priority spatial environments popular and paid parks in the tropical city of Surabaya, Indonesia. The classification of visitor access security detection uses the Crime Prevention through Environment Design (CPTED) vandalism management strategy theory to determine the access security model applied to spatial behavior. The results show that spatial areas with high levels of visitor density and management’s low level of application of CPTED attributes have an effect on increasing the impact of visitor vandalism on park facilities.

A Survey on the Potential of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Tourism Information Services

Recently, ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model, has transformed the tourism industry by redefining how travelers access information and experience destinations. This survey explores the multifaceted potential of ChatGPT in various sectors of the tourism domain. The study begins by addressing the ethical considerations related to AI and natural language processing, emphasizing the necessity of privacy and data security in ChatGPT interactions. It analyzes the recent research findings, demonstrating ChatGPT’s efficacy in translating languages for tourists and improving services. The technology’s impact on tourism education and research is explored, highlighting its disruptive effects, benefits, and challenges, particularly in academic contexts. The paper delves into ChatGPT’s influence on the hospitality and tourism sector, focusing on its role in customer interactions, backend operations, and research methodologies. Additionally, it examines ChatGPT’s implications for content creation, visitor motivations, cultural perceptions, and regional tourism management. These insights shed light on ChatGPT’s potential to enhance customer experiences, influence visitor behaviors, and bridge cultural gaps in diverse tourism contexts. Concluding with preliminary guidelines for ChatGPT adoption, this paper equips industry professionals with essential knowledge to leverage the technology effectively. By embracing ChatGPT, the tourism industry can provide travelers with more informed, personalized, and immersive experiences, thus enhancing overall satisfaction and engagement during their journeys.

Erosive tooth wear among non-institutionalised older adults in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNon-institutionalised older adults is the majority of older adults in Hong Kong. The study aimed to examine erosive tooth wear (ETW) and its association with dental conditions and oral hygiene habits among non-institutionalised older adults in Hong Kong.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited dentate adults aged 60 or above from nine elderly daycare centres in the five main districts of Hong Kong. The study consists of a questionnaire survey and a clinical examination. A researcher used a questionnaire to collected the participants’ demographic information, oral hygiene habits such as toothbrushing habits and dental visit behaviour. A calibrated examiner performed an oral examination in the daycare elderly centre to assess the ETW using basic erosive wear (BEWE) criteria. Oral hygiene was recorded using visible plaque index. Prosthetic status was recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlation between ETW and the dental conditions and oral hygiene habits.ResultsThis study recruited 433 dentate adults and 333 adults were female (77%). Their age ranged from 60 to 99 years and their mean age was 74 years (SD = 7). They all had ETW (BEWE > 0). Over half of them (57%) had BEWE score of 3, indicating severe ETW. Analysis showed increasing age (OR = 1.030, p = 0.029) and older adults with untreated dental caries had higher odds (OR = 1.822, p = 0.002) of presenting severe ETW. No other associations were found between the ETW and the factors studied.ConclusionHong Kong non-institutionalised older adults aged 60 or above had ETW and more than half of them had severe ETW. Increasing age and having untreated dental caries were associated with severe ETW.

Discovering the authenticity of a Liberation Cultural Heritage experience in South Africa: a market segmentation approach

ABSTRACT This research addresses a significant gap in the literature concerning the authenticity of tourism experiences, particularly in the context of cultural heritage sites. It focuses specifically on visitors to Liberation Cultural Heritage Sites in South Africa, enriching the discourse on authenticity within cultural heritage tourism. The primary aim was to identify distinct visitor segments at these sites, employing multiple segmentation bases. These bases included socio-demographic variables, visitation behaviour, motivation, and indicators of perceived authenticity, encompassing both object-based and existential aspects and evaluating supporting facilities and services. The study utilises a quantitative methodology, employing a digitally administered survey to gather data. A two-step cluster analysis identified two primary visitor segments: ‘Comprehensive authenticity seekers’ and ‘Emerging authenticity seekers’, with the former constituting the larger segment. This segmentation is pivotal for cultural heritage site managers, marketers, and policymakers, as it enables the development of tailored strategies that cater to each visitor group's specific needs and preferences. This research provides valuable insights for optimising resource allocation and enhancing the visitor experience. Such insights are crucial for promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in cultural heritage tourism.