Planning for Thermal Comfort: Analyzing Climate Change Effects on Tourism in the Aegean Region


ÇİLEK A., BERBEROĞLU S., DÖNMEZ C.

Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture, cilt.2025, sa.10, ss.278-285, 2025 (Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 2025 Sayı: 10
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.14627/537754026
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.278-285
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: climate change, climate-sensitive policies, spatial modeling, Thermal comfort
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Tourism is among activities most vulnerable to climate change, as outdoor recreational activities depend on suitable climatic conditions. Among the climate-related factors influencing tourist satisfaction, outdoor thermal comfort – reflecting the combined effects of atmospheric conditions on the human body – has become increasingly important with climate change. This study postulates potential impacts of climate change on tourism in the Aegean Region based on a projected warming trend of 5-6°C. Using spatial modeling and climate-sensitive simulations, we assess temporal and spatial variations in thermal comfort under different climate scenarios. By incorporating thermal comfort into tourism-climate indices, we evaluate destination suitability over time and resilience to climate change. The findings highlight significant temporal shifts in tourism suitability and the importance of localized adaptation strategies to mitigate climate impacts. These results guide seasonal and spatial tourism planning, support rural development strategies, and enhance stakeholders' quality of life.