Spatial and Temporal Differences of Climate Suitability of Ice and Snow Sports in Major Ski Tourism Destinations in China

Ice and snow tourism in China has grown significantly since the country successfully hosted the Beijing Winter Olympics.Climatic conditions profoundly impact the development of ice and snow tourism;however,most studies have focused on constructing different climate suitability indicators for ice and snow tourism to evaluate individual regions,lacking horizontal comparative studies across multiple regions.This study aims to enrich the connotation of climate suitability for ice and snow sports,establish an evaluation model based on snowfall amount,temperature,and wind speed,and use daily meteorological data from 1991 to 2021 to horizontally compare the climate suitability for ice and snow sports in major ski tourism destinations in China.This study boasts four major findings:1)the average ice and snow sports climate index of each region decreases over time,and the overall suitability of the climate for ice and snow sports is reducing;2)northern Xinjiang exhibits the most evident regional differentiation from‘very suitable’to‘generally suitable’;3)the spatial zoning of climate suitability for ice and snow sports exhibits heterogeneity,as northern Xinjiang is divided into two‘suitable and above’zones with rotating empirical orthogonal function(REOF).Correspondingly,the four provinces of Hebei,Heilongjiang,Jilin,and Liaoning are divided into three‘generally suitable and above’zones;4)snowfall amount is the main factor affecting the climate suitability of ice and snow sports in the major ski tourist destinations in China.

An assessment of the climatic suitability of Afriski Mountain Resort for outdoor tourism using the Tourism Climate Index(TCI)

Tourism Climatic Indices(TCIs)are widely used in the global North to quantify the climatic suitability of a destination for tourism.Only one such study has been conducted in southern Africa to date.It is in a chronic shortage of research on tourism and climate change in the southern hemisphere.This study presents the application of the TCI in Lesotho,calculated for the eastern Lesotho Highlands.The region has an emerging tourism sector,which primarily comprises outdoor activities.These include hiking,horse-riding,music festivals,mountain biking,cultural visits,sightseeing,and at the Afriski lodge,skiing and snowboarding.These activities are reliant on climatic conditions that are conducive to the activity taking place,prolonged periods outdoors,and tourist satisfaction of the activity.Climate is a major determinant of both the length of season for these activities and the timing of peak tourist arrivals.Rising temperatures and changes in relative humidity and precipitation pose real threats to hiking,sightseeing and snow tourism at Afriski.The reliance of tourism in the region on specific climatic conditions for successful tourism prompted the use of the TCI.TCI results classify the eastern Lesotho Highlands as having‘good'climatic conditions with an overall TCI score of 64 for the period 2012-2017.Monthly TCI scores for the eastern Lesotho reveal a bimodal-shoulder,meaning the peak climatic conditions are in the regional summer months(December to February).This conflicts with the peak tourist seasons of summer and winter,which align with South African school holidays,and the timing of the most profitable tourism activity(skiing)which occurs during the winter months of June,July and August.Lesotho is landlocked by South Africa.TCI analysis for South Africa reveals more suitable climatic conditions for tourism than Lesotho,with significantly higher scores of 80-89.

Evaluation of tourism climate comfort in the Grand Shangri-La region

The Grand Shangri-La(GSL) region has strong international tourist appeal. GSL has considerable international eco-tourist potential as well as being attractive for leisure, vacation, health, explorative, and scientific research activities in addition to high-end tourism experiences. These factors could promote the development of its regional tourism. GSL has been identified as a key area for tourism development in China. In this study, we investigated tourism climate conditions in GSL from 1980 to 2016 using a tourism climate index(TCI). We found that through global warming, the number of annual and monthly good-weather days, as assessed with the TCI, showed an increase over most of GSL;that trend was especially true for very good, excellent, and ideal days. The optimal travel period was May–October. We obtained the same result using cluster heat maps, in which we categorized 31 studied meteorological stations into eight types. However, heavy rainfall tended to occur during that optimal period, and it was concentrated at certain times. The annual total number of comfortable days greater than 300 was mainly located in southern GSL. We observed significant correlations between monthly and annual excellent and ideal days with latitude and elevation;in particular, we identified a significant nonlinear correlation between excellent(and ideal) days and elevation.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Tourism Climate Suitability in Qinghai Province, China

Qinghai Province is an important component of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. Scientific evaluation of the suitability of Qinghai's climate for tourism can contribute to overcoming obstacles posed by climate on sustainable tourism development in Qinghai Province, including disparities between the low and high seasons, high altitude health concerns, and weather events. A tourism climate suitability evaluation model of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is constructed (Tourism Climate Suitability Index, or TCSI), and tourism climate suitability is comprehensively evaluated for Qinghai Province from climate data from 1960 to 2009. Results show that: (I) There is clear distributional characteristics of spatial-temporal variability of TCSI values in Qinghai Province. (II) Tourism climate suitability in Qinghai Province has significant seasonal and regional differences. The year is divided into a very suitable period (July and August), suitable tourism periods (from April and October), less suitable periods (From Nov to Mar). June to August is the most suitable tourism period in Qinghai. Qinghai Province is divided into five levels of tourism climate suitability: most suitable regions, very suitable regions, suitable regions, less suitable regions, and unsuitable region. (III) The key factor which influences regional differences in tourism climatic suitability is atmospheric oxygen. And the key factors which chiefly influence seasonal differences of tourism climate suitability are temperature and humidity, the wind chill factor, and barrier weather.

Integrated impacts of climate change on glacier tourism

Glacier tourism is an important type of nature-based tourism with great global potential. However, glacial landscapes and environments are seriously affected by global warming. This study used a scoping review method to explore integrated impacts of climate change on glaciers from the academic literature. All reviewed literature included a wide range of both research and non-research-based data or information. All literature was reviewed by summarizing findings of relevant research. It showed that climate warming has led to rapid melting and retreat of glacier landscapes, which has resulted in a huge impact on economic and social systems. The findings indicated that some glacial landscapes are declining in aesthetics or attractiveness while some landscapes face the prospect of sustained decline or even disappearance. This not only affects glacial cultural appreciation or mountain residents' beliefs, but increases the difficulty in entering and experiencing glaciers. Some points of tourism even face the risk of glacial disaster. Rapid glacial retreat or even disappearance will bring a loss of tourism revenues. At present, it is urgent to anticipate and adapt to these integrated impacts. In short, this study provides a general review of the impacts of climate change on glacial tourism and also some references for the adaptation of future glacial tourism to climate change.

Enhancing coastal areas governance for sustainable tourism in the context of urbanization and climate change in eastern Thailand

Coastal areas in the eastern sub-region of Thailand,a popular destination in Southeast Asia,are facing rapid tourism-related urbanization and associated consequences of environment and climate change(CC).Thus,this study aims to analyze the relationships between tourism,coastal areas,the environment,and CC in the context of tourism urbanization;and recommend strategies for enhancing the governance of coastal areas.Three popular destinations were selected as study areas,Koh Chang,Koh Mak,and Pattaya.Group discussions,questionnaire surveys,in-terviews,and observation were used for primary data collection together with secondary data.The results show that the development of these destinations has been incompatible with the coastal environment and CC patterns.Rapid urbanization from tourism development is the main driver of environmental changes and makes the areas vulnerable to CC-related risks.While water scarcity and pollution are found the most critical environmental issues of the destinations,coastal areas are negatively affected in terms of increased air and water pollution and resource degradation.They have also been exposed to different CC-related problems while the risks of accumulative impacts of both environment and CC have not been adequately recognized or addressed.Although some measures have provided synergies of improved environment and increased climate resilience,possible conflicts and gaps were also found.Public infrastructure integration and optimization to enhance coastal areas'environment and climate resilience are suggested.

Adaptation models of mountain glacier tourism to climate change: a case study of Mt. Yulong Snow scenic area

Mountain glaciers have an obvious location advantage and tourist market condition over polar and high latitude glaciers. Due to the enormous economic benefit and heritage value, some mountain glaciers will always receive higher attention from commercial media, government departments and mountain tourists in China and abroad. At present, more than 100 glaciers have been devel- oped successfully as famous tourist destinations all over the world. However, global climate change seriously affects mountain glaciers and its surrounding environment. According to the current accelerated retreat trend, natural and cultural landscapes of some glaciers will be weakened, even disappear in the future. Climate change will also inevitably affect mountain ecosystems, and tourism routes under ice and glacier experience activities in these ecosystems. Simultaneously, the disappearance of mountain glaciers will also lead to a clear reduction of tourism and local economic benefits. Based on these reasons, this paper took Mr. Yulong Snow scenic area as an example and analyzed the retreat trend of a typical glacier. We then put forward some scientific and rational response mechanisms and adaptation models based on climate change in order to help future sustainable development of mountain glacier tourism.

Analysis on Human Comfort of Tourism Climate in Binzhou City

According to meteorological data at Binzhou Meteorological Station during 1981 -2010, basic climate characteristics of meteorological factors （such as temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity, etc. ） related to human comfort are analyzed, and temporal-spatial distribution characteristics of human comfort in Binzhou City are studied. Then, human comfort of tourism in Binzhou City is evaluated. The impacts of each meteorological factor on comfort in different seasons and change tendency of comfort are discussed, and the optimal tourism time in Binzhou City is analyzed.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGES AND THE TOURISM OF CHINA

The future global climate changes induced by the increased atmospheric CO2 concentration is receiving much attention from the scientific community as well as the public. Model simulations and palaeoclimatic data studies show an evident change in temperature and precipitation over China will occur under conditions of the global warming. Possible scenarios of the future climates are given here for China on the basis of synthesizing model simulations and palaeoclimatic data. Most parts of China will experience an increase in temperature, but the warming may be more remarkable in winter in h1e northern half of the country. Increase in precipitation will be seen in nearly every parts of the eastern China, and it will be larger in North and Northeast China. Impacts of the climate changes on the national tourism are assessed. Regions suitable for tourisin development in terms of climate comfortable index will shift northward. Some scenic spots and toruism facilities will be damaged due to sea level rise and increased rainfall. Some regions will benefit from the dimate change, but the tourism industry as a whole will be negatively affected.

Climate Change and Its Impacts on Coastal Tourism

This study assessed the impacts of climate change on coastal tourism in coastal area of Tanzania.The coastal areas of Bagamoyo district have become an important area for tourist activities.The main interests include cultural and natural attractions,archaeological sites,historical sites,old buildings and ruins such as Kaole built in 13th century to the attractive

Analysis on the Impact of Mountain Climate on Tourism Development of Ziyuan County,Guangxi

Ziyuan County is in the northeast mountainous area of Guangxi,with rich tourism resources. The research on tourism climate resources of Ziyuan County could provide reference for rational development of mountain tourism in the county. Through on-the-spot investigation,the local tourism and climate data were collected,and the evolution of climate data was analyzed,and the influence of climate on tourism development was studied. It can see snow in winter of Ziyuan County,and there is not high temperature in summer,where is the best place for summer vacation.Due to typical Danxia landform,beautiful mountain ecology and comfortable climate condition,Ziyuan has become the preferred leisure vacation destination of Guilin. It should rationally utilize meteorological service information to effectively avoid the meteorological disasters,and use the climate resource advantage of mountainous area to develop Ziyuan County's tourism.

Progress in Research on the Impacts of Global Climate Change on Winter Ski Tourism

The impacts of global climate change on ski tourism, which depends heavily on climate conditions, have increasingly gained concern overseas. This paper systematically summarized the relevant research ideas, the technical methods used, and the obtained achievements through an extensive synthesis of the previous studies. Moreover, the major shortcomings and the limitations in the recent studies are pointed in order to present a useful reference for our Chinese investigators. It indicates that the future climate warming would cause the loss of skiable areas, the shortening of skiing seasons and the sharp drop of ski visitors in many low altitude and low latitude ski resorts. The paper finally stressed that future research should pay particular attention to strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and consider more factors about the impacts of climate-induced environmental changes on tourist flows. In the future ski resort planning and management, the possible impacts of global climate change should be taken into account.

Temporal Characteristics of Tourism Climate Comfort in Kangding City in Recent 60 Years

Based on the climate observation data of Kangding City in recent 60 years,the changing trends of temperature and humidity index and wind efficiency index in Kangding City are analyzed.The results show that the annual average temperature and humidity index and wind efficiency index of Kangding in recent 60 years showed an upward trend,which is consistent with global warming climate.Temperature and humidity index tended to change from the cold grade to the relatively cold and cool grades,and wind efficiency index changed from the slightly cold wind grade to the cool wind grade.Seen from temperature and humidity index and wind efficiency index,the climate was comfortable and relatively comfortable from May to September,which will become an important climatic reference to attract tourists.

Analysis of Eco-Tourism Climate Resources in Xingwen, China Based on the Comfort Index and the Negative Air (Oxygen) Ion

The present work investigates an analysis of Eco-Tourism Climate Resources in Xingwen, China based on the Comfort Index and Negative Air (Oxygen) Ion (“NAI” for short in this article) concentration. The daily temperature, precipitation, wind speed, sunshine hours, and relative humidity data of the Xingwen National Meteorological Station from 1999 to 2018, as well as the NAI data of Feiwu Cave station and Shoushan Lake station in Xingwen of 2018 were used in this study. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of basic meteorological elements, the index of climate comfort of human living environment and the NAI variation in Xingwen, the eco-tourism climate resources in this area were evaluated comprehensively. The results show that: The climate is mild, the precipitation is abundant and the seasonal variation trend of precipitation and heat is similar in the study area. The annual average temperature of this area is 17.8°C, the annual average precipitation is 1096 mm, the annual average precipitation days are 186 days, the annual average relative humidity is 81%, the annual average wind speed is 1.3 m/s, and the annual average sunshine hours are 999 h. The living environment comfort level reaches the “comfort” level for 6 months per year. In addition, the concentration of NAI in Xingwen remains at the highest level 7 throughout the year, and the rate of good air quality is extremely high. Overall, the study area has high-quality ecological climate resources that are conducive to the development of forest recuperation, leisure and vacation and other ecological tourism activities.

Effects of Climate Comfort on Tourists' Network Attention: A Case Study of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Based on the data of climate and Baidu Index, the temporal and spatial variation of climate comfort and toudsts9 network attention in Inner Mongolia was analyzed, and the effect of dimate comfort on tourists, network attention. The results showed, tiiat ① Inner Mongolia had a summer-comfortable toudsm climate, and it was uncomfortable to visit Inner Mongolia in winter. With the decrease of latitude, the climate comfort index gradually rose in Inner Mongolia, with a distribution pattern of l＂ow in the east and high in the west＂. There were three types of distribution of the climate comfort index： M-shaped, inverted U-shaped, and inverted V-shaped ② Toutasts5 network attention had certain dependence on the development level of tourism in wrious regions. The degree of network attention of regions with a high level of tourism development was also relatively high, and its distribution was more uniform. Monthly indexes of the tourists, network attention had three types： M-shaped, inverted U-shaped, and inverted V-shaped. ③ On the whole, climate comfort had a positive impact on the degree of network attention, butwith the improvement of the level of tourism development, the impact of climate comfort on the degree of attention of visitors would be weakened.④ The impact of climate comfort on the tourists, network.

Digital Innovation Strategy for Travel Agents to Combat Climate Warming

Climate warming leads to great opportunities and difficulties for travel agencies.In order to promote the development of travel agencies in the new situation,this paper studies the digital innovation strategy of travel agencies to deal with climate warming.Through in-depth interviews with 13 travel agencies,the impact of climate warming on travel agencies was discussed from multiple perspectives.Investigate the digital innovation response strategies of this group under the influence of climate warming on tourism,analyze and try to give travel agencies’digital innovation strategies to respond to climate warming.In order to provide some help for the sustainable development of travel agencies.

云南大理避暑旅游气候适宜性分析

基于大理国家气候观象台1991—2020年及其它监测数据,依据避暑旅游气候环境指标体系规则,对大理避暑旅游气候环境指标进行了计算和判识.结果表明:大理夏季温度凉爽宜人,避暑气候条件“优良率”为92.9%,气候禀赋好;大理夏季气候舒适性“优良率”达88.2%,人体舒适度、度假指数、旅游指数舒适日占比分别为99.9%、82.1%、82.5%,气候舒适性高;空气质量“优”级、臭氧超标日数为0,水环境优良率达100%,生态环境优良;夏季气候风险总体偏低,气候不利条件“中低影响率”为80%.大理强对流天气潜在风险高,重大气象灾害发生概率低;夏季气候是云南滇西北横断山区及中国西南高原山地区域山岳型避暑旅游目的地的典型代表和集中体现,避暑旅游气候条件极佳.

中国主要城市气候舒适度时空特征

人居气候舒适性是评判城市环境宜居水平的重要因素之一。利用1991-2020年中国31个主要城市的每日气象要素资料,采用室外天气舒适指数(OWCI)模型,分析了中国主要城市人居气候舒适性总体水平、舒适度年内变化类型、冬夏两季的空间差异,并剖析了城市的夏季炎热特征及其变化趋势。结果表明,中国大多数城市年平均气候舒适度高于舒适等级水平,但空间差异明显,31个主要城市一年中舒适天气累计日数均超过半年,年平均舒适日数为231天,总体人居气候环境良好。中国31个主要城市气候舒适性年内变化可分为寒冬凉夏型、冷冬凉夏型、冷冬热夏型、暖冬长夏型及四季舒适型5种类型;春秋季节天气普遍舒适,冬夏两季气候舒适性空间差异很大,冬季的差异大于夏季的,12座城市适合夏季避暑,比较适合冬季避寒的城市有海口、广州、昆明、南宁和福州。夏季酷热的城市主要分布于长江中下游流域,近30年其夏季的酷热日数和酷热程度有较明显的增加趋势。

省级避暑旅游目的地评价指标体系的构建研究

依据避暑旅游目的地内涵和特点,从避暑气候禀赋、气候不利条件、生态环境、旅游基础和发展潜力4个维度构建了省级避暑旅游目的地评价指标体系。利用1991—2020年夏季(6—8月)中国黄河下游以南地区气象观测站点资料,基于该指标体系评价了14个省(区、市)发展避暑旅游目的地的潜在优势地区。避暑气候禀赋优良是避暑旅游目的地的首要条件,避暑气候禀赋采用气温、风、湿度、降水、人体舒适度和度假气候指数等要素。气候不利条件影响低是避暑旅游顺利开展的保障。采用高温、强降水、大风和强对流等影响夏季避暑旅游的高影响天气反映气候不利条件。空气质量、水质和植被状况反映避暑旅游目的地生态环境,旅游资源丰富度、交通便利性、地方荣誉、未来规划等要素反映避暑旅游目的地的基础能力和发展潜力。结果表明:14个省(区、市)的避暑气候禀赋和气候不利条件的指标阈值受气候系统和地形等因素影响存在空间差异。潜在避暑旅游目的地站点数占总站数的比例为10.5%,主要分布在本省(区、市)海拔相对较高地区,而海拔高度普遍较低的江苏和山东,则主要分布在江苏东北部沿海地区和山东半岛东部。研究成果可为省(区、市)为单元开展避暑旅游目的地的客观评价以及发展策略提供科学参考。