Using the tourism climate index to assess climatic resources for tourisim development in the South-Central Coastal and Island Region of Vietnam

Abstract

Built by Z. Mieczkowski (1985), the bioclimatic index TCI (Tourism Climate Index) assesses climatic resources through climate parameters such as daytime comfort index, daily comfort index, rainfall, the number of sunny hours, and wind speed. Based on values of TCI, this article aims to evaluate the adaptability of tourists to the climate at 6 meteorological stations (in the coastal area and the islands of the Southern central coast). The results show that TCI values range from good to very good, especially in some places in January or February, which have TCI at excellent level. The most favourable time for developing sea tourism in the whole region is the first quarter of the year from January to April, while Da Nang and Phu Quy’s favourable time begins sooner, from December of the previous year. In the entire South-Central Coastal and Island Region, Phan Thiet and Nha Trang have a very favourable climate for tourism throughout the year. Due to mainly heavy rain, some places of the South-Central Coastal and Island Region have less favourable times such as Da Nang in August; Ly Son - Quy Nhon in September; and Phu Quy island in June and September.