Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The world-renowned travel planning and booking platform TripAdvisor has launched its first mobile “Check-in” Index, revealing major differences in the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions most frequently checked in to by visitors and locals in Hong Kong and Taipei. The report also compares various popular destinations across Asia, calculating overseas tourists' and locals' travel preferences based on the highest number of check-ins. This data is derived from TripAdvisor’s massive mobile location data.
The world-renowned travel planning and booking platform TripAdvisor has launched its first mobile “Check-in” Index, revealing major differences in the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions most frequently checked in to by visitors and locals in Hong Kong and Taipei. The report also compares various popular destinations across Asia, calculating overseas tourists' and locals' travel preferences based on the highest number of check-ins. This data is derived from TripAdvisor’s massive mobile location data.
Senso-ji Temple is one of the top check-in spots among overseas travelers. (Image source / MOOK Publishing)
TripAdvisor’s mobile “Check-in” Index reflects the most popular spots based on consumer movement and actual time spent at each location. An interesting finding from the data is that in some cities, both overseas tourists and locals are drawn to the same attractions or dining spots, while in others, their preferences show clear differences.
Taipei Sheraton Grand Hotel is favored by overseas visitors. (Image source / MOOK Publishing)
To collect this data, TripAdvisor uses GPS and motion sensors from smartphones to detect check-in activity, predicting whether anonymous users visited a place or simply passed by.
The following analysis of check-in data from several cities reveals several interesting trends:
• Both overseas tourists and locals have great taste, often choosing highly rated hotspots
• Based on data from several Asian cities, many overseas tourists and locals choose the same restaurants
• The most frequented Hong Kong chain restaurants by overseas tourists and locals in Hong Kong are Tim Ho Wan and IKEA Restaurant, while in Taipei, the top two are Din Tai Fung and Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice Cream)
• Overseas tourists are more drawn to major tourist attractions, while locals seek alternative spots
The following analysis of check-in data from several cities reveals several interesting trends:
• Both overseas tourists and locals have great taste, often choosing highly rated hotspots
• Based on data from several Asian cities, many overseas tourists and locals choose the same restaurants
• The most frequented Hong Kong chain restaurants by overseas tourists and locals in Hong Kong are Tim Ho Wan and IKEA Restaurant, while in Taipei, the top two are Din Tai Fung and Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice Cream)
• Overseas tourists are more drawn to major tourist attractions, while locals seek alternative spots
Taipei 101 is the top check-in attraction for overseas travelers. (Image source / MOOK Publishing)
"Locals vs Tourists: Most Popular Check-in Spots":
Taipei City, Taiwan
Taipei City, Taiwan
| Overseas Tourists | Locals | |
| Hotels |
1. Grand Hyatt Taipei 2. W Taipei 3. Taipei Sheraton Grand Hotel |
N/A |
| Tourist Attractions |
1. Taipei 101 2. Shilin Night Market 3. Miramar Entertainment Park |
1. Taipei 101 2. Miramar Entertainment Park 3. Huashan 1914 Creative Park |
| Private Restaurants |
1. Ah Chung Noodles (Ximending) 2. Jiadeg Bakery 3. Yongkang Beef Noodles |
1. Jiadeg Bakery 2. Kim Fung Braised Pork Rice 3. Lin Dongfang Beef Noodles |
| Chain Restaurants |
1. Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road) 2. Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice) 3. Hinoki Kogen |
1. Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road) 2. Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice) 3. Sushiro (Kihwa Road) |
Australia Milk Company is a Hong Kong eatery known for its steamed milk and desserts. (Image source / MOOK Moleskine Publishing)
Hong Kong
| Overseas Visitors | Locals | |
| Hotels |
1. Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong 2. Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers 3. The Empire Hotel Hong Kong |
Not Applicable |
| Tourist Attractions |
1. Ladies' Market 2. Hong Kong Disneyland 3. The Peak |
1. Ladies' Market 2. Apliu Street 3. Lan Kwai Fong |
| Private Restaurants |
1. Yat Dim Sum 2. Temple Street Spicy Crab 3. Australia Dairy Company |
1. Yat Dim Sum 2. Chan Kan Kee Dai Pai Dong 3. Tung Po Corner |
| Chain Restaurants |
1. Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Specialist 2. Tsui Wah Restaurant in Causeway Bay 3. IKEA Restaurant |
1. IKEA Restaurant 2. Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Specialist 3. Chiu Chow Restaurant |
Khaosan Road in Bangkok, a short street of less than 300 meters, is an information hub for backpackers visiting the city. (Image source/MOOK Moleskine Publishing)
- 1
- 2