This study was conducted to evaluate the tourist’s comfort conditions of Baluchestan region by using Tourism Climate Index (TCI). Climate parameters data were collected from 5 synoptic stations (Khash, Saravan, Nikshahr, Iranshahr and Chabahar) located in Baluchestan region of Iran between January 1995 and December 2015. Monthly TCI for each station was calculated and geographical distribution maps were prepared by using GIS software. In winter, Baluchestan had very good to ideal TCI. January and February are the best months for travelling to Chabahar based on TCI. Marginal to ideal TCI was observed in spring, except for Chabahar which had excellent TCI due to monsoon wind. In summer, elevation plays an important role for determination of TCI and acceptable TCI was achieved. By decreasing temperature in autumn, better tourism conditions and ideal TCI were observed. Nikshahr and Iranshahr had ideal TCI in March, however, ideal TCI was observed in April, October and November for Khash and Saravan. It can be concluded that winter seems to be the best season for travelling to Baluchestan region as TCI ranged from very good to ideal except for Khash. Elevation has the important effect on tourism climate condition and higher elevated counties (Khash and Saravan) have different tourism season compared to other counties (Nikshahr and Iranshahr).
References
[1]
Costa, J. and Eccles, G. (1996) Hospitality and Tourism Impacts: An Industry Perspective. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 8, 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596119610152014
[2]
WTO (1998) Tourism 2020 Vision. Publications Unit, World Tourism Organization, Madrid.
[3]
Matzarakis, A. (2006) Weather- and Climate-Related Information for Tourism. Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development, 3, 99-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/14790530600938279
[4]
Fang, Y. and Yin, J. (2015) National Assessment of Climate Resources for Tourism Seasonality in China Using the Tourism Climate Index. Atmosphere, 6, 183-194. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos6020183
[5]
Mieczkowski, Z. (1985) The Tourism Climatic Index: A Method of Evaluating World Climates for Tourism. The Canadian Geographer, 29, 220-233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-0064.1985.tb00365.x
[6]
Matzarakis, A., Endler, C. and Nastos, P.T. (2014) Quantification of Climate-Tourism Potential for Athens, Greece-Recent and Future Climate Simulations. Global NEST Journal, 16, 43-51.
[7]
Roson, R. and Sartori, M. (2012) Climate Change Impacts on Tourism in the Mediterranean. No. 4624, EcoMod.
[8]
Scott, D., Mcboyle, G. and Schwartzentruber, M. (2004) Climate Change and the Distribution of Climatic Resources for Tourism in North America. Climate Research, 27, 105-117. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr027105
[9]
Nicholls, S. and Amelung, B. (2008) Climate Change and Tourism in Northwestern Europe: Impacts and Adaptation. Tourism Analysis, 13, 21-31. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354208784548724
[10]
Yazdanpanah, H., Abdoallahzadeh, M. and Poureidivand, L. (2012) Study of Climatic Conditions for Tourism Development Using TCI Indicator (Case Study East Azerbaijan Province). Geography and Environmental Planning Journal, 49, 21-24.
[11]
Bakhtiari, B. and Bakhtiari, A. (2013) Determination of Tourism Climate Index in Kerman Province. Desert, 18, 113-126.
[12]
Gholami, Y., Moezi, S.A., Bakhshaei, H. and Khosravi, L. (2015) Climate Comfort Index Set for Tourists Using the Tci the Case Study: Khorasan Razavi Province (Northeast of Iran). Journal of Social Issues & Humanities, 3, 178-183.
