Cyberspace Attention of Tourist Attractions Based on Baidu Index: Temporal Distribution and Precursor Effect

Abstract

Based on the Degree of Consumer Attention function provided by Baidu.com,the everyday cyberspace attention data from September 1,2006 to August 31,2007 about the 66 5A-level tourist attractions of China were gotten.A statistical analysis based on 53 5A-level tourist attractions shows that the cyberspace attention of tourist attractions has the following temporal characteristics:1) The weekly distribution takes on a palm-shape mode with Thursday,Wednesday and Tuesday at the highest point while Sunday and Saturday at the lowest point,especially in southern and natural tourist attractions.2) The monthly distribution takes on a two-peak mode which has the highest points at April and August in addition to natural tourist attractions' three-peak(April,July and September) mode.The study also finds that the cyberspace attention of tourist attractions is the of its visitors.Performance of the week shows premonition,with which Friday is the representative of the working day to visitors in weekend.Performance of the year takes on ten days premonition,that is the cyberspace attention of tourist attractions is of the visitors in the subsequent one to two weeks.However the precursor effect of the cyberspace attention of tourist attractions also shows uncertainty,which needs to be further explored.