An Analysis of the Diversity of Tourism Content According to City Tour Bus Operation Types Using Public Data: A Comparative Study of Fixed and Circular Routes

Purpose This study investigates how operational types of city tour bus programs—specifically fixed-route and circular-route formats—affect the diversity of tourism content offered in South Korea. Although prior research has examined tourist satisfaction and service efficiency, the structural influence of route types on content variety has not been sufficiently addressed. Methods We utilized standardized open datasets covering 270 city tour programs from 17 metropolitan regions. Content diversity was quantified by counting the number of unique stops with distinct attractions per route. Using Python-based data processing, we conducted descriptive analyses, independent samples t-tests, and multiple regression models to examine the impact of route type and contextual factors such as fare, guide provision, and city size. Results Circular-route tours were found to include significantly more unique stops than fixed-route tours. Even after controlling for other variables, operational type remained a statistically significant predictor of content diversity. Additionally, substantial regional differences were identified, indicating that local characteristics also shape tour program structure. Conclusion The results suggest that operational design plays a pivotal role in maximizing the variety of tourism experiences. These insights offer practical implications for urban tourism planners seeking to enhance regional competitiveness through strategic program development. Furthermore, the study underscores the utility of data-driven approaches in cultural tourism policy.