Tourism-related climate information for adjusted and responsible planning in the tourism industry in Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

The incorporation of climate and environmental resources into the sustainable development of contemporary tourism is a challenge that requires special attention. From this imperative approach, the trustworthy information on local tourism-related climate and bioclimate conditions is a growing need, and influences the tourists’ travel decision-making process. This study aims to increase the sensitivity towards tourism-related climate information to support an adjusted and responsible planning in the tourism industry in Barcelona, Spain. The assessment of local climate and bioclimate conditions was conducted by using meteorological data from 2007 to 2017. Accordingly, a bioclimatological brochure with practical use was designed integrating thermal, esthetic, and physical climate facets for tourism, which were analyzed in 10-day intervals and combined with the Climate-Tourism-Information-Scheme (CTIS). The CTIS of Barcelona highlights that the most suitable climatic and bioclimatic conditions last from the end of February to the first 10 days of June, and from September to mid-November, where all analyzed parameters converge at a relatively high rate of ideal conditions. This study certainly is a contribution on how to evaluate the climate and bioclimate for a defined destination from the perspective of tourism. The results here provided are crucial for tourism planners, visitors, tourism attendees, and health authorities. Furthermore, they should be used to encourage and establish decisive strategies to mitigate the seasonality of tourism.