Assessment of the Tourist Сlimate Index for the Volga Federal District

Abstract

The purpose is to assess the favourable bioclimatic conditions based on the analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of the Tourist Climate Index (TCI) in the Volga Federal District over a long period. Materials and methods. The information base was the daily meteorological data of 16 stations located on the territory of the Volga Federal District for the period 1966-2019. The main focus is on the analysis of TCI by month, which made it possible to assess the bioclimatic conditions of the region for the development of tourism activities during the year. Results and discussion. The dependence of the TCI value on circulation processes characterized by known atmospheric circulation indices (AO, NAO, SCAND, and EAWR) has been revealed. The distribution of TCI index values across the territory of the Volga Federal District varies from an “unacceptable” comfort level in winter months in the most part of the territory to "very good" comfort level in summer period in southern and central parts of the district. Conclusions. TCI correlations with the AO, NAO, and SCAND indices turned out to be closer in winter, and with the EAWR index - in the period from April to October. There is an increase in the climatic attractiveness of the region due to the ongoing climate warming.