Evaluating spatial centrality for integrated tourism management in rural areas using GIS and network analysis

The aim of this study is to identify and classify villages according to their spatial centralities, considering rural amenity resources, for integrated tourism management. Rural tourism is an important means of regional economic development because it permits new infrastructure to be developed and helps retain existing amenities. This study took place in Korea, where little attention has been given to an integrated rural tourism planning perspective, thereby undermining current initiatives. In this study, 43 villages in Jangheung-gun and Jeollanam-do were assessed and the centralities were measured using geographic information systems (GIS) and network analysis. The results show that Okdang-ri is the spatial core village supported by Yongjeon-ri and Bangchon-ri, thereby permitting a more effective provision of services. In addition, Inam-ri and Unheung-ri were identified as the sub-core villages of the two subgroups, while Deogam-ri served as the connection node between these groups. This study demonstrates the applicability of centrality indices for evaluating spatial characteristics such as role, accessibility, and influence on surrounding villages for integrated tourism management. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.