GIS Applications in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing: A Case in Brown County, Indiana

ABSTRACT

Since tourism has a close relationship with space and geography, using geographic information systems (GIS) in tourism and hospitality research and marketing practice seems both relevant and potentially effective. However, GIS applications, especially in tourism and hospitality marketing, have been limited to date, presumably because of a lack of familiarity with GIS and its benefits. This paper explores potential GIS applications through the five-step PRICE system model of tourism and hospitality marketing developed by Morrison (2002). Next, a case study is presented in which GIS is applied in a destination market analysis for Brown County, Indiana, USA. Three major conclusions were drawn from the review and case study.

Keywords:

• information systems (GIS)
• marketing research
• spatial analysis
• computer technology
• tourism and travel