Geographic Information System in the Optimization of Tourist Routes in the City of Faro (Algarve, Portugal)

Abstract

This work aims to map the optimal routes based on time and distance, via e-scooters and walking, to visit 54 historical heritage sites in Faro. Implementing these routes promotes environmental sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions and encouraging healthier, greener tourism. The route optimization was conducted in ArcGIS, utilizing the Network Analyst extension and vector data obtained from OpenStreetMap. The results showed that there are routes that can be completed in one or more days, depending on visitors’ availability, physical capacity, or their chosen method of transportation. The optimal route to visit the 54 historical heritage sites forms a closed circuit spanning 17.35 km. If visits are split into two routes, one covering 31 monuments in the old city and the other 24 monuments in the exterior area of the urban center, the optimal closed-circuit routes measure 6.16 km and 11.31 km, respectively. This study is expected to enhance tourism promoted by the Faro municipality and make it more environmentally friendly.