An improved user-based beach climate index |
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Authors: | R Morgan E Gatell R Junyent A Micallef E Özhan A T Williams |
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Institution: | (1) Coastal and Riverine Research Unit, School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, CF37 1DL Pontypridd, Mid Glam., Wales, UK;(2) Laboratori d’Estudis Socials de i’Enginyeria Civil, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;(3) Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Insular Coastal Dynamics, Foundation for International Studies, University of Malta, St. Paul Street, VLT 07 Valetta, Malta;(4) Department of Civil Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey;(5) Faculty of Applied Sciences, Bath Spa University College, Newton Park, BA2 9BN Bath, UK |
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Abstract: | In many coastal resort areas of the world, it is likely that optimal climatic conditions for beach use might occur outside
the peak of the tourist season. Investigation of this issue together with associated publicity might help to spread the tourism
load and hence reduce undesirable social and environmental effects of extreme seasonality in tourist demand. For this to take
place, better knowledge of beach user preferences in terms of climate and bathing water temperature is required. Questionnaire
surveys were carried out in Wales, Malta and Turkey to establish the preferences of north European beach users for thermal
sensation and bathing water temperature, plus priority levels for other climatic attributes. A user-based beach climate index
based on these preferences and priorities was formulated. Linkage was made between the user-generated ratings for various
climatic conditions and published climate data to evaluate most major Euro-Mediterranean/Black Sea and a range of other beach
tourism areas on a month-by-month basis. Results showed excessively hot thermal sensation in many southern and eastern Mediterranean
coastal destinations during July and August, the present peak of the beach tourism season. Highest preference was given to
water temperatures rather lower than those found in these areas during late summer. Many long haul coastal destinations popular
with north European visitors had similar unpleasant thermal sensations over several months. Uncertainties and deficiencies
still exist with the system, but from the point of view of north European beach users the final scores generated in this study
may be regarded as good approximations of the quality of resort area climates for sedentary beach use. |
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Keywords: | Black Sea Mediterranean Thermal sensation Tourism |
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