Perceptions of human thermal comfort in an urban tourism destination – A case study of Porto (Portugal)

Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors on an international scale. Based this growth, it became necessary to consider climatic-meteorological conditions as determinants for boosting tourism in some geographical areas. The main objective paper characterize perception bioclimatic comfort tourists who visited city Porto summer seasons 2019 and 2020 (in on-going pandemic). Primary data were obtained from a questionnaire perceptions microclimatic measurements applied 207 2019, 146 winter 2019–2020 210 2020. It took place places passage visiting Porto. statistical analysis, responses parameterized according environmental sociodemographic characteristics tourists. In addition, summary indicators (Physiological Equivalent Temperature – PET, Thermal Sensation Vote TSV, Preference TPV) used profile influence microclimate thermal was evident, showing, however, that they still felt comfortable regardless situation. results demonstrated good effort reduce discomfort through adapted behavior. Air temperature relative humidity seem be more directly related mean sensation votes (r2 = 0.86 r2 0.68, respectively). winters 2020, these do not show such strong correlation. Anyway, verified there greater tolerance higher lower temperatures than those are residents, when compared previous studies. consideration average thresholds crucial. future studies planning proposals, will optimal climatic local climate change adaptation mitigation policies.