Using Mobile Positioning Data and the Grid Square Statistics for Domestic Tourism in Japan

Abstract

Timeliness is highly needed in tourism statistics. Big Data are expected to improve the aspect. This report shows that the monthly number of domestic overnight stayers can be predicted easily and rapidly by using mobile positioning data. We identify the grids in which accommodations are located and then extract the number of people in those areas at 4 a.m. so that the number of stayers is estimated. Although the derived data are larger than the value of corresponding official statistics, both are strongly correlated. Acceptable approximation can be acquired with carefully calibration.