The value and scope of geographical information systems in tourism management

Abstract

This paper discusses the value and scope of geographical information systems (GIS) in tourism planning. The discussion focuses on the functionality and application of GIS in tourism development projects (TDPs) before moving on to assess the level of current interest and adoption of the technology through studies of tourism and GIS consultants. The paper argues that GIS can bring significant added value to decision making through data analysis, modelling and forecasting. A literature review focuses on TDPs in sensitive environmental and cultural contexts where the sustainability is a prime consideration. Many of these applications suggest that GIS is well suited to the practice of tourism planners but the findings of the studies suggest a limited use of the technology. Reasons for this lukewarm response include a limited awareness of GIS functionality, a preference for using tried and tested non-computer-based methods of planning, and a widespread avoidance of the technology because of the (assumed) high procurement costs involved. Some tentative recommendations are made on how to improve the accessibility of GIS to tourism planners. © 1999, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.