Determining the Tourisim Climate Index in Esfahan Proinence Touristic Zones

In regard to the role of climate factors in tourism planning, determination of tourism climate index (TCI) is very important. To determine TCI, in Esfahan province the climatic normal of (1976-2005) meteorological synop station of Esfahan province provided by Iran Meteorological Organization data center were used. The TCI index includes seven factors: monthly mean of maximom temperature, mean of daily minimum RH,mean of monthly temperature,mean of daytime relative humidity,mean of daily precipitation of every month, mean of daily wind velocity in every month and mean of daily sunshine duration combined together. To calculate TCI, these parameters have been ranked according to TCI tables and figures and put in the GIS environment to make separate layers. At first we used DEM of the province as a base map to provide the above mentioned information layers. After weighting of these 5 information layers, we overlaid these information layers to make TCI Map. This map was reclassified into excellent to undesirable classes. The results show that May and October (with very good, excellent and ideal classes) are the best month for tourism. For March,April and Novamber the very good, excellent and Ideal are the main classes. TCI index during June, July and August show not suitable conditions for tourists. In December the north of province had the excellent and the south had unsuitable condition. January and February have the same climate conditions and during these months, north of province shows very good and excellent condition.