The role of intermodal transport on urban tourist mobility in peripheral areas of Hong Kong

Public transport is used extensively in urban destinations, even though tourists are often unfamiliar with the variety of local means of transport. This study focuses on the role of intermodal transport on tourist visitation to peripheral attractions that are not directly connected to the metro system. A discrete choice experiment conducted in Hong Kong allowed the analysis of i) tourist preferences toward transport services, ii) perceived level of ease for intermodal transport, and iii) the influence of direct transport access on switching behaviour. The estimates of a latent class choice model revealed two segments of tourists with different preferences toward intermodal transport usage, price sensitivity and information provision. From a management perspective, the investigation provides valuable information for attractions, destination marketing organizations, and transport companies. In this regard, a what-if analysis is conducted to estimate the change in the probability of attraction visitation associated with different policies. Furthermore, the analysis of the potential demand for direct transport access indicated a significant increase in the intention to visit secondary tourist attractions. The results allowed to derive implications that help to decongest tourism flows, thereby eventually leading to a more competitive, sustainable and inclusive transportation network system for tourists and residents alike.