Monitoring seasonal tourism at the northwest of Iran using Tourism Climate Index (T.C.I)

Abstract Recognizing the climatic potentias, as a basis for human activities, provides the predominant foundation for environmental and land use plannning. Most of the tourists follow climate considerations to choose the destination. The aim of this study was to evaluate and render the zoning of seasonal tourism at the northwest of Iran using tourism climatic index (T.C.I). In this study, to assess the climatic conditions from the tourism perspective, the climatic data from 22 synoptic stations in the northwest Iran for a period of 20 years (1990-2010) were collected. In this model, a 7-parameter system was used. These parameters included mean maximum temperature, average temperature, average minimum relative humidity, mean relative humidity, total monthly precipitation, sunshine hours and daily average wind speed. The TCI index was used for data analysis and the tourism climate maps were drawn for four seasons using GIS. The results show that the TCI index has a large variety of topography in the northwest because of conflicts over the years. Summer with the conditions as infinite ideal: 7, ideal condition: 10, excellent quality: 3, acceptable: 1 and very good condition: 1 ranked the first among other three seasons. Autumn with the conditions as perfect: 4, very good: 11, good: 3 and acceptable: 4 ranked the second. Spring season with the spesifications as very good: 2, good: 2, acceptable: 11 and insignifcant: 7 ranked. Winter with the conditions as acceptable: 1, insignificant: 14, poor: 5 and very poor: 2 ranked the fourth place and the most unfavorable condition among the other seasons. Discussion and Northwest of Iran with great tourist attraction can be pioneer in local and foreign tourism. Beautiful scenery and unique and varied climate conditions in all seasons can greatly contribute to the development of this industry and lead to great benefits.