Tourism and Territory: Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Accommodation Facilities in Central Philippines

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of accommodation facilities in Central Philippines to understand the factors influencing accommodation location choices and their impact on regional tourism development. The study employed spatial analysis techniques, including nearest neighbor analysis and kernel density estimation within a GIS, to analyze the distribution of accommodation facilities across the region. Data were collected from multiple sources, including surveys of hotel owners/managers and guests (n=400), supplemented by information from travel web locator applications and Google Maps. Results reveal significant hotel clustering in Cebu City, Mactan Island, Oslob, Dumaguete City, Siquijor, and Panglao. This clustering indicates the influence of agglomeration economies. Analysis of temporal trends shows a diffusion of hotel clusters over time. New clusters emerged in Oslob, Bantayan, Panglao, and Dauin during the 2010s. Prior research has shown essential location criteria for accommodation providers, such as closeness to attractions and available infrastructure, and for visitors, including safety and ease of access. The results indicate that agglomeration economies significantly impact decisions regarding accommodation locations, affecting the success of accommodation facilities and regional tourism growth. While this study provides valuable insights, its reliance on data is limited to specific sources and periods. The survey data may not fully capture the nuances of decision-making processes. Future research could benefit from incorporating more recent and qualitative data and exploring the impact of factors beyond agglomeration economies. Grasping these spatial dynamics is essential for efficient tourism planning and sustainable development approaches in Central Philippines.