Impact of stairs and walking speed on visitor capacity management in tourism sites

Taking the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in China as a case study, this research examines how walking speed and environmental conditions shape tourism carrying capacity. By combining field observations with simulation experiments, the research proves that the impact coefficient of stairs is 0.47. Two innovative approaches are introduced in this study: first, a spatial zoning strategy, which discusses the carrying capacity in different areas of a scenic spot, and second, a road classification strategy, which considers the movement of tourists on the stairs. The research results have expanded the traditional planar carrying capacity model, and are of reference value for the carrying capacity estimation of different scenic spots, and provide new ideas for tourism safety and environmental protection.