National assessment of climate resources for tourism seasonality in Iran using the tourism climate index

Weather and climate have a strong influence on tourism and the recreation sector, which is a very important industry. Since tourism is becoming one of the main industries all over the world, it plays an important role in promoting national and local economic development. This paper attempts to show the role of climate in tourism seasonality and tries to study the impacts of climate resources on tourism seasonality using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) in Iran. This index systematically evaluates climatic conditions for tourism activities using climate parameters. To assess Tourism Climate Index in Iran, 54 weather stations were selected. The results have been generalized in 12 monthly world maps using ArcGIS10.1. According to the results, April and October are the best time for tourism during the year, actually more area of Iran has the good potential during these months. In January and February, potential of TCI decreased and the lowest area are located in suitable class. While, based on Scott and Mc Boyle classification summer peak, dry season peak, Bi-modal shoulder peak and winter peak can be seen in Iran, most of Iran is classified in Bi-modal shoulder peak. South, south east and west of Iran have the best condition in winter peak. The peak in dry seasons including dry and without rainy seasons have the best situations in west north and east parts of Iran. Bi-modal shoulder peak, in spring and autumn, are seen in north, all east and center of Iran toward west and west east.