Simulation and Optimization of the Operation of the Catering Industry in the Ancient Town Scenic Area Adjacent to Wetland Parks based on the Agent-Based Modeling Method

Abstract

In China, there are many ancient town scenic areas which are closely adjacent to wetland parks. Wetland parks can elevate the aesthetic appeal of adjacent ancient town scenic areas yet they remain vulnerable to pollution from these areas. Therefore, optimizing the operation of the catering industry within ancient town scenic areas serves as a significant contribution to the preservation of adjacent wetland parks. This study analyzed the operational characteristics of the catering business within an ancient town tourist area adjacent to wetland parks, employing the Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) approach to model the interaction process between tourists and restaurants, taking the catering business in an ancient town tourist area adjacent to wetland located in the southeast of Chongqing, China, as an example. Simulation results have demonstrated the capacity of this model to emulate reality, thereby facilitating its application in explaining, illustrating, and forecasting actual interaction between tourists and restaurants. Considering the environmental impact, the operation of the catering industry has been optimized through simulation. It is suggested that during peak seasons with high tourist flow, increasing seating capacity, as well as reducing customer waiting time for meals, can enhance the customer flow of catering businesses. In addition to economic benefits, this measure is also reduce the pollution of rivers and wetland parks caused by waste from customers dining in various locations, particularly by riverside, by fostering customer to gather and dine in the restaurant.