Development of Accommodation and Restaurant Facilities in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture: Spatial Patterns of New Construction Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the spatial development of newly constructed accommodation facilities and restaurants in a pleasure periphery, using Miyakojima City in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, as a case study. Data from building permit application forms and interviews were used to analyze the spatial patterns of new developments before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results reveal that accommodation types have diversified, ranging from large-scale resort hotels to small villa-type facilities. Tourism development in Miyakojima City has been particularly concentrated in the central area of Hirara, along the southern coast of Miyako Island, and around the Irabu Bridge, indicating uneven spatial development. Moreover, tourism development in Miyakojima City has continued beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced by external factors such as changes in travel demand.