Spatial dynamics of tour bus transport within urban destinations

Spatial dynamics of tour bus operations have long presented challenges for urban destinations, with visitor feedback rather than systematic onsite bus documentation typically used to identify problems. Applying normative evaluation and innovative capacity, tour bus operations were assessed in the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, District of Columbia (USA) to determine how best to respond to ongoing challenges associated with traffic congestion, safety and air quality. A total of 1457 buses were documented over eight days of data collection, representing an estimated 37,265 passengers. Findings suggest in order for communities to successfully affect innovative change, they must include endogenous (solutions generated from within the agency) and exogenous (solutions generated from outside the agency) management strategies. The methodology employed and range of solutions discussed are generalizable to any urban tourism destination reliant on tour bus transport.