The Possibility of Introduce New Mobility Services toward Reducing Car-Dependent Tourism

Abstract

In this study, we surveyed Sakai City and Awara City, tourist destinations with a focus on history and culture in Reihoku region of Fukui Prefecture. Specifically, we conducted research on the potential for reducing car-dependent tourism. The results suggest that visitors who use public transportation tend to spend approximately 1.3 times longer per day and spend more than those who use cars. Furthermore, we found respondents would be willing to use a new mobility service that 62.0% if it introduced shared bicycles and 47.5% if it introduced E-scooter sharing. In addition, it is revealed that car-using visitors were significantly more willing to use the E-scooter sharing than public transportation. The findings of this study will assist in the consideration of measures to support transportation in regional cities with high car dependence and measures to restore tourism, which supports the local economy. We intend to conduct a more in-depth study in the future.