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.