Tourism Site Location Based on a Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

This research study applies an underutilized analytical tool in academic tourism research, a genetic algorithm (GA), to the area of site location analysis. We initially dissect and explore all the relevant components and processes related to a GA. The proposed research model is then analyzed in terms of the incorporated variables and parameters as well as the reasoning behind their selection. An analytical comparative framework to measure the performance of the fitness function, which includes a pure GA, local search, and a mix of both approaches, is then introduced. The results indicate that in most cases the mixed approach has the better performance.