Future Title Page and Contents

An investigation of Tourist Honeypots along the London South BankIntroduction and Geographical UnderstandingIn order to carry this investigation, three key geographical terms must be understood: tourist, honeypot site and sphere of influence. A tourist is defined as a person who travels or visits a particular location for pleasure. A honeypot site is a place of attractive scenery that often historical or cultural significance that attracts a large number of tourists on a small scale. A locations sphere of influence is its area from which it draws tourists.[footnoteRef:1] [1: Definitions adapted from the AQA endorsed Textbook (2009)]

Locational BackgroundThe South Bank is an area located in the centre of London that is adjacent to the south of the River Thames that runs for a distance of approximately 2500 meters. It is a popular tourist destination which appeals to visitors with attractions such as the Tate Modern attracting 5,318,688 visitors each year, and the London Eye which welcomes up to 4 million[footnoteRef:2] visitors a year. The South Bank is situated approximately 5 miles north of Dulwich and is a significant arts and entertainment district, containing the Royal National Theatre and the Royal National Hall. [2: Statistics extracted from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21739486]

Figure 2

Satellite imagery of the South Banks location in relation to LondonFigure 1

Satellite imagery of the South Bank

A Satellite image of the United Kingdom with reference to the South BankFigure 2

Sections A H represent that areas of the South Bank that were investigated Figure 3

Justification of investigationBy performing this investigation, data such as a pedestrian count, an environmental quality survey and public questionnaires will be collated, and will illustrate the potential sphere of influence of the South Bank and the distribution of visitors along the South Bank through the use of a continuous sample of a pedestrian count. Consequently, the collected data will identify whether the South Bank has certain honeypot sites along its 2500 metre stretch. Key QuestionsWhen investigating the South Bank, there are two key questions to consider (as shown below): What is the sphere of influence of the South Bank? Are there tourist honeypots along the South Bank?

I believe that the South Bank will have a large sphere of influence as it is located in the large and prestigious megacity of London. In addition, I predict that it will attract English-speaking tourists from Australia and the USA, as well as tourists within the United Kingdom. This is due to the popular tourist attractions including the Globe Theatre and Royal Festival Hall, and the increase in the number of tourists taking city breaks.My prediction is that there will be a few tourist honeypots along the South Bank, as tourists are unlikely to be evenly distributed on the South Bank, but rather concentrated in certain areas within the South Bank. This is mainly due to tourist attractions such as the London Eye and the Tate Modern drawing sizeable numbers of tourists.

By Dino Al-ShakarchiMethodology & Data Collection TableStrategy: On Tuesday 18th June our Geography class went to the South Bank. Before arriving we had divided the South Bank into eight sections as shown in Figure 3 (on the previous page) and carried out our investigation in Zone B. The table below shows the methods of data collection and the reasons why this data was collated from the field.MethodData collection technique

Justification of data collection method

QuestionnaireOur group worked in Zone B (see Figure 3) and split up into two sub-groups of two people when conducting the questionnaire. When collecting the data we tried to ask a mixed demographic of people in order to collate an accurate and reliable stratified sample. After a response was recorded we took it in turns asking the public questions.Each response was recorded using the table (shown below in Figure 4) attached to a clipboard. After these results were noted, they were processed into a spreadsheet for later reference.

Figure 4

Why was this the most appropriate method of data collection?This was the most appropriate data method collection as three focused and closed questions were asked to the public. This not only avoided language barriers, but allowed us to collect quantitative answers rather than qualitative answers. In addition, this increased our sample of data collected to approximately 350 responses. Which question/s would this help you answer and why?The data from the questionnaire would identify the origin of tourists, which will illustrate the sphere of influence and answer the first key question (on the previous page): What is the sphere of influence of the South Bank? In addition, the closed question concerning attractions will pin point honeypots along the South Bank and address the second key question (found on the previous page): Are there tourist honeypots along the South Bank?

Pedestrian CountAcross the 2500 meters stretch of the South Bank 70 students were distributed at 35 metre intervals from London Bridge to Westminster Bridge, to conduct the pedestrian count at precisely 10:30 a.m. For the duration of five minutes, the numbers of passing pedestrians were recorded, as well as stationary pedestrians at the end of the five minutes. The data was recorded using a tally chart (shown below in Figure 5). This method of data collection would explain the distribution of pedestrians along the South Bank.

Figure 5

Why was this the most appropriate method of data collection?The pedestrian count was suitable method of data collection as the flow of pedestrians was counted at 10:30a.m. to ensure that the data from different sectors of the South Bank could be compared fairly. Furthermore, the number of static pedestrians was noted to improve the accuracy of the data, and the time period of five minutes allowed for large samples of data to be collected. Which question/s would this help you answer and why?The data obtained from the pedestrian count will show the distribution of pedestrian density along the South Bank and will help answer the second key question, as areas with a higher pedestrian density can help to identify honeypot sites and hotspots along the South Bank.

Environmental Quality Survey and Ambiance Quality JudgementIn each groups designated zone six different attributes were rated from a scale of 1 5 and added together to produce a composite score. The higher the total score, the better the environment and ambiance quality. The results were recorded in the table below (Figure 6) and later collated for comparison with other areas along the South Bank.

Figure 6

Why was this the most appropriate method of data collection?This was an appropriate method of data collection as the quantitative data would identify certain characteristics that are common to honeypot sites in different areas such as well maintained buildings and a lively atmosphere. The samples collated would cover over 70 different areas in the South Bank and give reliable results. In addition, the quantitative data will allow data from different regions of the South Bank to be compared easily.However, the subjective nature of the survey means that the numerical data relies on the opinion of the surveyor and may affect the data. Which question/s would this help you answer and why?The data from the environmental quality survey will highlight areas within the South Bank that have attributes similar to honeypot sites such as well maintained buildings and a lively atmosphere, and will thus answer the second key question.

Photographic Representation to capture the South Bank

On the day of the investigation, at least ten photographs were taken such as the photo below (Figure 7) to capture the atmosphere and ambiance of areas within the South Bank. Two categories of photos were used, primary photos, photos taken on the day of the investigation and, secondary photos (Figure 8), images from the internet.The image below (Figure 7) illustrates a crowded attraction with a high number of tourists suggesting that it is prominent honeypot site situated on the South Bank. The adjacent image (Figure 8) captures the atmosphere of the Royal Festival Hall and London Eye, and conveys the well maintained exterior of the attractions, usual characteristic for a honeypot site.

Figure 8Figure 7Figure 7

Why was this the most appropriate method of data collection?This method of data collection was suitable as it provides a visual representation and aid to identify honeypot sites, as images with a high number of tourists will indicate a honeypot site. In addition, using images rather than sketches, much more accurately illustrates attractions, atmosphere and ambiance. Furthermore, this method demonstrates what is happening in an unbiased manner. Which question/s would this help you answer and why?The results of this method of data collection will address the second key question, as areas with images that show a high numbers of tourists will identify the honeypot sites and tourist attractions along the South Bank.