ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
This study presents a systematic literature review of the key factors influencing tourist route choices, with a focus on spatial behaviour and decision-making dynamics. Multiple interrelated dimensions shape tourist movement. Destination attractiveness—such as iconic landscapes, cultural heritage, and events—forms the basis of route planning. Transport connectivity and accessibility play a vital role in enabling spatial dispersion, while economic factors, including travel costs and price sensitivity, influence route feasibility. Demographic attributes and personal preferences introduce variation in mobility patterns, highlighting the need for segmentation strategies. Increasingly, environmental and safety concerns, amplified by climate change and public health risks, affect tourist choices. The growing availability of digital information and high-quality services enhances planning confidence and route flexibility. Psychological drivers, including convenience, novelty-seeking, and social influence, further impact micro-level decisions. Additionally, recent empirical studies using GPS tracking reveal that tourists often adapt routes in real time based on factors like crowding, proximity, and weather conditions. Integrating insights from geography, tourism, and behavioural science, this review proposes a comprehensive framework for understanding route choices and spatial movement. The findings offer valuable guidance for tourism planners aiming to manage visitor flows, improve accessibility, and promote sustainable and balanced destination development.
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