Spatiotemporal changes in tourism climate comfort in Sichuan Province from 1961 to 2022

Abstract

Based on the daily temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, sunshine hours and precipitation in Sichuan Province from 1961 to 2022, the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of tourism climate comfort in Sichuan Province were analysed using the temperature–humidity index (THI), precipitation index (P), sunshine duration index (SSD), wind chill index (WCI) and tourism climate index (TCI). The results show that the average annual TCI in Sichuan Province over the past 62 years is “acceptable” or above and shows a significant increasing trend at a rate of 0.018 per decade. On average, the best travel comfort period in Sichuan Province is from March to May and from October to November. The TCI increased significantly in cold seasons such as February and November with rates of 0.064 and 0.053 per decade, respectively. The increase in TCI is mainly controlled by the increase in THI and WCI, both of which are related to the increase in temperature, with a greater effect in cold seasons and at higher elevations. Most of China's 5A-level tourist attractions in Sichuan Province (14 of 17) have an annual TCI of “acceptable” or better. Similarly, the top 3 months for climate comfort at these attractions tend to be March to May and October, with ratings reaching “good” or even “very good.” For the other three destinations, all characterized by glaciers and mountains, the top 3 months for climate comfort are concentrated in the warm months. The overall tourism climate comfort of Sichuan Province is increasing, and the climate is changing in a positive way for the tourism industry.