Modelling of Real-Life Mixed Integer Programming Problems: Comprehensive Tourism Service Center Converge Problem

Abstract

This paper uses the Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model to plan the Comprehensive Tourism Service Centers (CTSC) in Gusu District, Suzhou, to meet the increasing demands of tourists and alleviate the excessive pressure on existing facilities. Since the end of the COVID-19 epidemic, Suzhou’s tourism industry has steadily grown, particularly in Gusu District, where scenic spots are concentrated. Tourist numbers surge, especially during holidays like Labor Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day. However, the district’s narrow streets, crowded traffic, and increasing visitor flow have highlighted the insufficiency of current visitor centers. By establishing CTSCs, which provide essential services such as rest areas, basic shopping, and emergency medical assistance, tourism quality can be enhanced while relieving pressure on existing centers. Given the district’s high density of protected buildings and construction challenges, the MIP model simplifies Gusu District into a point-line map, calculating the optimal locations for CTSCs under various constraints to connect attractions and improve the overall visitor experience within a limited budget and space.