Planning and Implementation of Autonomous Shuttle Buses in Tourism Mobility in the Region Berchtesgaden-Königssee, Germany

Abstract

Tourism mobilities are essential in the sustainability (mobility) transition. Thereby, alternative transport systems and mobility innovations need to go hand in hand with a change in mobility behaviour. Autonomous shuttle buses are promising for improving tourists’ movements in tourism regions by combining innovative spirit, environmental friendliness, and experiences. This study aims to define factors for the planning and implementation of autonomous shuttle buses with investigations from the region of Berchtesgaden-Königssee in Germany. Specifically, the paper answers the question: How can autonomous shuttle buses be planned and implemented in order to initiate innovative and soft mobility in a tourism destination? This research question is supported by theories on mobility styles and technical innovations. Considering the complexity of mobility innovation in a region, the methodology includes a multi-method approach by incorporating the viewpoints of various experts to plan appropriate routes and cope with technical factors. The results introduce planning steps and reveal the importance of experience and theme design in addition to several technical challenges. Finally, this article contributes to an emerging research field between tourism, technology, and regional development by demonstrating processes to foster the implementation of innovative and soft mobility.