Sampling limitations in using tourists' mobile phones for GPS-based visitor monitoring

This study examined sampling limitations when tourists' own mobile phones are used for visitor monitoring in a protected area. In Nikko National Park, Japan, we collected GPS tracking information from respondents' mobile phones and investigated sociodemographic attributes of participants and nonparticipants in the survey. The participation rate for GPS data collection was low (15%). A major reason not to participate was technical unfamiliarity in using their own mobile phones as a tracking tool. Meanwhile, participants were biased toward visitors who were younger, more technology friendly, staying longer, coming from a greater distance, and being first-time or group visitors. A practical challenge for GPS data collection was the diversity of mobile phones. We conclude that further development of user-friendly tracking applications compatible with a wide variety of mobile phones could ease visitors' technical concerns, make it easier to use GPS tracking, increase participation rates, and reduce data bias.