Spatio-Temporal Analysis of HCI Index in Determining Tourism Priorities of Mazandaran Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Climatology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

2 Associate professor, Climatology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

3 Master of science student, Climatology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Abstract

Context and Purpose: Climate and its effects on tourism, one of the major global industries, have garnered significant attention in recent decades. Tourism is highly dependent on climatic conditions, the natural environment, and changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors can have direct and indirect impacts on tourism activities and popular destinations. This study aims to examine the effects of climate on tourist destinations with a particular focus on climate indicators and tourism comfort indices.
Design/methodology/approach: This research was conducted using a literature review and analysis of studies within the Mazandaran province. The Tourism Climate Index (TCI) was used to assess the effects of climate on different regions. Additionally, the impact of climate change on various tourism activities, such as coastal and winter tourism, was examined.
Findings: The results indicate that climate affects different tourism regions in varying ways. Increased temperatures may reduce the attractiveness of warm destinations, while colder and mountainous regions may become new popular destinations. Furthermore, rising sea levels pose a serious threat to coastal areas and tourism destinations related to the sea.
Conclusion: The study suggests that managing the effects of climate on tourism requires careful planning and the use of adaptive strategies. It is recommended that tourist destinations prepare themselves for climate impacts by considering climate indices and changing conditions, and adopt sustainable strategies to maintain their attractiveness and viability.
Originality/value: This research uses climate indicators to explore the impact of climate on tourism and comprehensively analyzes how these changes affect various destinations and tourism activities. The main innovation of this study is the provision of management and adaptation strategies to combat climate threats in the tourism industry.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Tourism Planning and Development
Volume 14, Issue 53
June 2025
Pages 197-219

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