Measuring Visitor Flows Using Mobile Positioning Data in Three Hungarian Second-Tier Cities

Kovács, Zoltán and Smith, Melanie and Teleubay, Zhanassyl and Kovalcsik, Tamás (2023) Measuring Visitor Flows Using Mobile Positioning Data in Three Hungarian Second-Tier Cities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM CITIES. pp. 1-22. ISSN 2056-5607 (In Press)

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Abstract

Purpose – The research analyses the spatial-temporal behaviour of international visitors using Mobile Positioning Data in three second-tier cities in Hungary: Szeged, Debrecen and Pécs. The aim of the study was to identify the origins of visitors, length of stay, seasonal concentrations and mobility between cities. Design/methodology/approach – A large volume of data generated by foreign mobile phone users was processed and analysed for six consecutive months in 2018. The movements of around 3.5 million foreigners visiting Hungary were captured. Findings – The data showed significant differences in tourist turnover, mobility patterns and flows indicating different levels of tourism activity and potential in the three cities. This included day trips, cross-border tourism, seasonal fluctuations and activity-driven demand (e.g. special events, cultural tourism). Research limitations/implications – MPD data cannot fully explain or predict drivers of visitor behaviour, such as purpose of visit, the precise activities that they undertake there and the experiences that they gain. It can, however, provide information on spatial and temporal flows, patterns and concentrations of visitors. Practical implications – The investigated cities should follow distinct tourism development policies to attract more tourists and strengthen the links with their neighbouring destinations at the same time as differentiating themselves through marketing as competitive alternative destinations. Social implications – Augmenting tourism has socio-economic implications for residents and communities. The development of cultural tourism and local event-based tourism mustincorporate community needs.Originality/value - The paper analyses the extent to which mobile positioning data can provide insights into visitors’ spatio-temporal mobility and flows in relatively under-visited second-tier cities and it highlights opportunities and gaps for big data research in an urban context.

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