The morphology of urban tourism space (case: Malioboro Main Street as cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta city, Indonesia)

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the morphological landscape of the urban tourism spaces in the Malioboro Main Street area to predict its future development and to assist in creating effective regional planning policies.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses qualitative grounded theory, typo morphological analysis and place-centered mapping techniques.FindingsFrom the observation, it was found that each element of the city image area has different components of the urban tourism space’s morphology. The urban tourism spaces in Malioboro Main Street are distributed in a centered, linear and scattered pattern, with zones dedicated to shopping, cultural experiences and cuisine. The specific elements of each zone, such as attractions, accommodations or amenities, determine the type of tourism offered, such as cultural, shopping and culinary tourism.Research limitations/implicationsThe study presented here may serve as a helpful guide for regulating and organizing policies that can form a sound basis for policy formulation. It mainly pertains to planning and structuring the Malioboro Main Street area, which currently needs a well-conceived urban tourism landscape development concept.Practical implicationsThis study will have practical implications in projecting tourism development in the area through planning and structuring. The study can also be used as a basis and guideline for controlling, organizing and determining regulations and policies, ultimately serving as a wise foundation for policy formulation, particularly in planning and structuring the Cosmological Axis area, especially the Malioboro area.Originality/valueThe discussion of morphology is mainly limited to macro or micro scales, while the discussion of tourism space is generally limited to conceptual development. Conversely, this study aims to explore the unique landscape morphology of the Malioboro Main Street area, which serves as evidence of a productive space for urban tourism by typomorphological analysis through the approach of urban landscape elements, tourism elements and its activities. Thus, it may complement previous studies in urban areas dominated by tourism.