Developing an integrated framework for measuring and calculating the tourism climate of Duhok province in northern Iraq using bioclimatic indices

Thermal comfort is a crucial factor in determining the temporal and spatial capacity of outdoor tourism, as variations in climatic elements can alter the desirability of tourism activities across different seasons and locations. This study aimed to evaluate thermal comfort conditions and determine the climatic tourism calendar in Duhok Province, northern Iraq, using PET, UTCI, and TCI indices. For this purpose, monthly meteorological data from ۲۰۰۰ to ۲۰۲۵ were obtained from MERRA-۲ reanalysis products. After processing, bioclimatic indices were calculated, and their temporal and spatial patterns were examined in a GIS environment. The results showed that thermal comfort in Duhok Province has a distinct seasonal cycle. Winter is characterized by cold stress, and the peak of summer by increased heat stress, while the transitional seasons offer more suitable conditions for outdoor tourism. According to the tourism calendar, April, May, September, and October were identified as the most appropriate times, with May and September exhibiting the strongest alignment between PET and UTCI within the preferred comfort zone. Spatially, the TCI findings revealed considerable variation in the duration of the favorable tourism season. Specifically, the highlands and certain central areas of the province experienced an extended climatic tourism period. This pattern suggests that both altitude and the topographical layout significantly influence the thermal environment and the geographical spread of climatic tourism potential within Duhok. The results suggest that Duhok's climatic tourism capacity varies across different times and locations. Therefore, tourism planning ought to consider the region's thermal calendar and its diverse topography.

کلیدواژه ها:

Thermal comfort ، Physiological equivalent temperature ، seasonal desirability ، climatic tourism calendar ، Iraq