Climatic Elements as Development Factors of Health Tourism in Hail Region: using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI)

Climatic Elements as Development Factors of Health Tourism in Hail Region: using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Climatic Elements as Development Factors of Health Tourism in Hail Region: using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) Ehab Ali, Yassir Hammad, El-Tag Ibrahim, Saad Aljurayyad This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6252976/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study examines the climatic suitability of the Hail region in Saudi Arabia for health tourism, using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) to evaluate seasonal comfort levels and their impact on tourist distribution. Health tourism, which often relies on favorable climatic conditions, can significantly benefit from Hail’s unique climate, characterized by moderate temperatures, abundant sunshine, and low humidity in spring and autumn. Monthly TCI scores were calculated and correlated with tourist data to determine optimal visitation periods. Results indicate that spring and autumn achieve "Ideal" TCI ratings, attracting the highest tourist volumes, while winter scores lower, reflecting a decrease in tourist activity. Statistical analyses, including F-tests, confirm significant seasonal differences in both TCI and tourist numbers (p < 0.05), underscoring the role of climate as a driving factor in tourism trends. The findings suggest that Hail holds substantial potential as a health tourism destination, especially for GCC countries, by capitalizing on favorable climatic seasons and developing climate therapy-focused resorts. Future recommendations include expanding health tourism facilities and aligning marketing strategies with seasonal climate advantages to promote sustainable tourism growth in the region. Social science/Development studies Social science/Geography Tourism climate index Health Development Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 1. Introduction Health care is a global industry designed to benefit mankind. Health care and wellness is a $ 4.2 trillion industry, second in revenue to agricultural industries. The health-care market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is driven by both public expenditure (74.2%) and by the private sector (25.8%); with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR of 12.3%), the private sector participation is expected to increase to 28.1% by 2025 (The Pulse 2018 ). According to the definition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), health tourism is one of the tourism forms implying tourists travel to use natural resources, the primacy of climate and mineral waters (spa places), in order to improve their general, mental and physical health. However, numerous authors in their tourism studies point out that this definition is very narrow because it highlights the climate and mineral springs as the main factors in health tourism development. In addition to climate and mineral resources, the development of health tourism can be influenced by mountains, lakes, rivers, forest ecosystems and other natural attractions. Certain types of health tourism are medical and wellness and spa tourism. Medical tourism implies traveling to access medical treatments and provide medical assistance in the treatment of diseases. Wellness and spa tourism is focused on the prevention and improvement of the general health of tourists using medicinal (curative) and other tourist content. ( Pessot, et al. 2021 ; Marić Stanković,et al.2022). Climate is a key resource for tourism (Scott et al. 2004 ). Although not the focal point of travel, weather conditions are a decisive factor for specific tourist activities (Amelung et al. 2007 ). Climate has been found to affect the seasonality of tourism, the choice of destination and the satisfaction of the vacation (cf. Scott et al, 2004 ; Amelung et al. 2007 ; Gössling et al. 2012 ; Giddy et al. 2017 ; Hoogendoorn and Fitchett, 2018). Outdoor tourism is highly climate-sensitive as tourists are directly exposed to any adverse weather during the course of the activities that have attracted them to the destination (Becken 2010). However, the ideal climatic conditions depend on the nature of the primary attraction and activities on offer. For health tourism. Climate is one of the important natural factors that is a concern for tourists. According to Aguiló et al. (2005) climate is one of the main drivers in international tourism, as most tourists look for opportunities to relax in the sun or snow. Tourists generally look for tourist attractions with climate conditions that are more comfortable and different compared to the conditions of the climate where they live. Each climate parameter has its own influence on tourists. The use of climate information in the tourism sector is used by three main users, namely tourists, tourism developers and also government institutions. For tourists, weather forecasts in tourist destinations and weather conditions are very important for tourists. Then for tourism developers, existing climate information is useful for strategic planning for infrastructure development. As for government institutions, climate information is used to identify climate change risks and as a reference for future mitigation programs (Scoot and Lemieux, 2010). Climate therapy, which involves utilizing natural climatic factors such as sunlight, temperature, and humidity to promote health, is gaining prominence in health tourism. This form of therapy is especially beneficial for treating conditions like respiratory issues, skin diseases, and stress-related ailments (Becker, 2009 ). As a region with a unique desert climate, Hail in Saudi Arabia presents significant potential for the development of climate therapy tourism. With its dry atmosphere, abundant sunshine, and moderate winter and spring temperatures, Hail can become a destination for tourists seeking health benefits from its natural environment. Developing health resorts that incorporate climate therapy could attract visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where similar climatic conditions may not be as accessible throughout the year. Successful models, such as the Dead Sea, have long been recognized for their therapeutic climates, especially for skin conditions (Sivan & Sukenik, 2016 ). By leveraging Hail’s climatic advantages and aligning with global trends in wellness tourism, the region could tap into a growing market while promoting sustainable tourism practices (Gössling, Scott, & Hall, 2018 ; Papageorgiou, 2019 ). The tourism climate comfort index is a very effective method for the assessment of the climate elements’ competence as a condition for tourism development. Competence is based on the comfort and feeling of the human body’s pleasantness to certain climatic conditions with outdoor activities.( Cao,et al.2022). This paper uses the TCI to quantify the climatic suitability of the hail region for health tourism. The index has already been applied to South Africa (Fitchett et al. 2017 ), and in Afriski Mountain Resort (Noome, et al. 2019) but has not yet been applied to Hail region. Climatic data are sourced from National Center of Meteorology Saudi Arabia, where temperature, precipitation and humidity. The objectives of this research are to: classify the climatic suitability of hail region for tourism using the TCI, to compare the suitability output to the primary climatic requirements for the tourism attractions, and finally to analyses the appropriateness of the index for health tourism at hail region A key rationale for this study is the lack of similar research in the Gulf and Middle East regions on assessing climate suitability for the development of health tourism. While global destinations leverage unique climatic features to promote health and wellness tourism, there is limited research dedicated to evaluating the climate for therapeutic tourism within this region, making this study a valuable and unique contribution to the field. This research aims to bridge this academic gap by focusing on Hail and analyzing its climate suitability for health tourism using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI), a reliable tool for assessing tourism-related climate conditions. The study is essential to highlight the role of Hail’s climate in enhancing health tourism and to open new avenues for developing competitive wellness destinations in the region. The justification for selecting the Hail Region Hail was selected due to its unique climatic conditions, which provide an opportunity for health tourism, particularly in spring and autumn when the climate is most suitable. Moreover, it is a developing tourism destination with untapped potential for wellness tourism. The region is known for its moderate temperatures, low humidity, and abundant sunshine in favorable seasons, which align well with health tourism requirements. Additionally, Hail has historical and cultural significance, making it an attractive location for tourists. The region also offers unique geographical and environmental features, including desert landscapes and mountainous terrain, which contribute to its potential for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Moreover, Hail has been identified as a priority area in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism development plans, making it a strategic focus for sustainable tourism growth. These factors collectively highlight the importance of focusing on Hail rather than the entire country, as it presents a distinctive case for the development of health tourism. 2. Theoretical Framework Climate and Tourism 2.1 Concepts and Definitions of Health Tourism . There is a variety of definitions used in this field, with commentators referring to health tourism, wellness tourism, medical tourism and spa tourism as the more frequently used descriptors where ‘improved health on holiday ... has become the central theme of tourism in an active rather than a passive sense’ (Connell, 2006). Mueller and Kaufmann’s ( 2001 ) definition of health tourism, following Kaspar ( 1996 ),is ‘the sum of all the relationships and phenomena resulting from a change in location and residence by people in order to promote, stabilize and, as appropriate, restore physical ,mental and social well-being while using health services and for whom the place where they are staying is neither their principal nor permanent place of residence or work’. 2.2 Definition and Purpose of the Tourism Climate Index. The Tourism Climate Index (TCI) serves as a vital tool for assessing the climatic suitability of various destinations for tourism activities. By evaluating climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity, the TCI aids stakeholders in understanding the potential appeal of a location to tourists. This index not only informs destination planning and management strategies but also highlights the significant impact of climate on tourist behavior and preferences. In the context of sustainable tourism development, the TCI is increasingly relevant, as it enables stakeholders to make informed decisions that promote both environmental preservation and enhanced visitor experiences. (Sultana & Paul, 2023 ). 2.3 Application of the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) in Tourism Research. The Tourism Climate Index (TCI), developed by Mieczkowski ( 1985 ), has been widely used in tourism research to evaluate the climatic suitability of destinations for tourism activities. It integrates multiple meteorological factors, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, and wind speed, to assess the overall comfort level for tourists. Over the past decades, numerous studies have applied the TCI to different geographical locations, examining its reliability, usability, and implications for tourism development and climate change adaptation. 2.3.1 TCI Applications in Regional Tourism Planning Several studies have applied the TCI to assess tourism potential in various regions. For instance, a study in Baluchestan, Iran, analyzed TCI values over a 20-year period, identifying seasonal variations in climate suitability for tourism (Heydari & Movahed, 2011). The findings revealed that spring and autumn had the highest TCI scores, indicating optimal conditions for tourism, while summer experienced lower comfort levels due to high temperatures. Similarly, research in hot arid climates has examined the applicability of TCI in extreme environments. A study conducted in desert regions suggested that while the original TCI model was effective, modifications were needed to better represent the impact of extreme heat on tourists (Mohammadi et al., 2022). Scott and McBoyle ( 2001 ) integrated climate change projections into TCI and assessed the climate change impacts on comfort levels in North American cities. The results of this study revealed a decrease in TCI scores in the summer period, specifically in July and August of the projected year. Afterward, Scott et al. ( 2004 ) extended the study to Canada, Mexico, and the USA and clearly presented the difference between the Northern regions, where climate suitability increases, and the Southern regions, where comfort levels decrease. Similar findings were observed in European studies. The PESETA project (Ciscar et al., 2009) assessed TCI score changes and concluded that Western and Northern European regions would experience increased TCI scores, while Southern Europe would see a decline by the end of the 21st century. Furthermore, Grillakis et al. (2016) conducted TCI assessments for a 2°C warming scenario, emphasizing the high risk for the Mediterranean Basin, including Türkiye, during the summer period. City-specific applications, such as those in El-Almain, Egypt (El-Masry et al., 2022) and İzmir, Türkiye (Adiguzel et al., 2022), confirmed the findings of previous studies, highlighting shifts in peak tourism seasons. 2.3.2 Impact of Climate Change on Tourism Comfort TCI has also been utilized to examine the impact of climate change on tourism destinations. For example, a study in Tibet analyzed climate data from 1960 to 2015, applying the TCI model to assess long-term trends in tourism climate comfort (Wang et al., 2019). The findings indicated that climate change had slightly improved tourism conditions in some months but reduced suitability in others, particularly in high-altitude regions. Moreover, a comparative analysis of climate indices in the Asia-Pacific region examined the evolution of the Holiday Climate Index (HCI): Beach in relation to the TCI. The study demonstrated that while TCI remains a useful tool, new indices like HCI offer more refined assessments for specific tourism market segments, such as beach tourism (Scott & Rutty, 2020 ). Similar conclusions were drawn from studies assessing TCI variations across North America and Europe, confirming that climate change has the potential to alter the suitability of traditional tourist destinations while improving conditions in other regions (Scott et al., 2004 ; Grillakis et al., 2016). 2.3.3 Reliability and Usability of the TCI in Tourism Decision-Making The effectiveness of the TCI in guiding tourism planning and investment has been widely discussed. A study assessing the reliability and usability of TCI for tourism businesses found that while TCI provides a useful overview of climatic suitability, additional factors such as cultural preferences, economic conditions, and infrastructure must be considered (Rutty & Scott, 2016 ). Despite its widespread application, the TCI has been subject to criticism. Scott et al. ( 2016 ) pointed out that the index's rating system and the weighting of variables are subjective, leading to potential biases in evaluating tourism comfort. Additionally, TCI generalizes tourism activities, failing to account for the unique climatic needs of different types of tourism. For example, beach tourism requires different climate conditions than cultural tourism or skiing. Another major limitation is its low resolution, as TCI relies on monthly data instead of daily or hourly data, reducing its accuracy in capturing short-term climatic variations (Scott et al., 2016 ). This limitation affects its reliability in precise tourism planning and decision-making. Despite these challenges, TCI remains a widely used tool in tourism climatology, with ongoing research seeking to refine its methodology to enhance its usability in tourism planning. 2.4 Hail’s Tourism Potential. Hail is a city rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a compelling destination for tourists. Nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia, Hail boasts stunning landscapes that include vast deserts, rugged mountains, and lush oases. The area's diverse topography provides countless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camel trekking, and stargazing, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors are often captivated by the sight of the Al-Nafud desert, known for its striking red sand dunes, while the Aja and Salma mountains offer breathtaking views that highlight the region's geological wonder. Its unique blend of cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and evolving infrastructure positions it as a noteworthy destination for both domestic and international travelers (Rehman & Alnuzhah, 2022 ). The interplay between Hail's historical attractions and its natural resources offers a fertile ground for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of tourism, including the economic implications and the sustainability challenges that arise in the sector. As we delve into the various aspects of Hail's tourism potential, it becomes crucial to consider not only the immediate benefits but also the long-term impacts on the community and environment (Abdel Azim Ahmed, 2018). Promoting tourism would help diversify the economy from the oil-based economy and take measures that promote sustainability. The Ha'il region of Saudi Arabia offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions. Urban tourism heritage sites, such as the rock drawings and the Al Naif Archeological Palace Museum in Jubbah. Ha'il city itself boasts several significant landmarks, including Hatim al-Tai's view atop As-Samra Mountains, a symbol of Arab hospitality, and the Qishlah Historical Castle, built in 1941. The Al-Maghawah amusement park hosts the Ha'il summer festival, featuring diverse activities and cultural programs (Ibrahim, Baqawy, & Said Mohamed, 2021 ). The study conducted by Rehman & Alnuzhah ( 2022 ) showed that (79%) of the participants went to Hail by car, while 21% traveled by plane; which showed the ease of access to the destination and the location of the infrastructure. They gave the destination an excellent rating for their visit, and a high percentage of them stated that they would return to Hail in the future. The study also showed the most prominent facilities that were visited and that they were good places for visitors, such as Al Samra Entertainment Park and other sites that gave a feeling of relaxation and entertainment, reduced work pressure, participated in new adventures, increased my knowledge of new things, and saw ancient cultural places. Local festivals serve as vital conduits for preserving cultural heritage, fostering community identity, and enhancing social cohesion. They not only reflect the rich tapestry of regional customs and histories but also significantly contribute to local economies by attracting tourists and supporting small businesses. Festivals encourage local engagement and volunteerism, creating a sense of ownership among community members (Petkova, 2022 ). Culturally, Hail is steeped in history, with numerous archaeological sites and ancient ruins narrating past civilizations' stories. The region is home to traditional festivals and events that celebrate its heritage, further enhancing its appeal to tourists interested in experiencing local customs and traditions. Recent developments in tourism infrastructure, such as improved hotels and guided tours, have made it easier for visitors to explore the city and its surroundings. The city has been a witness to numerous significant events that have contributed to the collective memory and identity of its inhabitants. Investment opportunities abound in developing eco-friendly accommodations and experiences that cater to nature lovers (Alghuson, 2023 ). Hail has the potential to become a notable tourist destination with the right strategies and investments. As interest in Saudi Arabia's cultural and natural heritage grows, Hail can capitalize on its unique offerings. Future tourism strategies should focus on enhancing accessibility and promoting the region's attractions to a wider audience. This could involve improved transportation networks and creating more engaging marketing campaigns that highlight Hail's stunning landscapes and rich history. The economic impact of tourism is profound, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth and job creation (Sadiq et al., 2023 ). As more visitors are drawn to Hail's natural landscapes and cultural heritage, local businesses are experiencing increased demand. This surge in tourism stimulates various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation, leading to the establishment and expansion of new businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and tour operators are emerging to accommodate and engage tourists, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. 2.5 Hail City Climate Analysis and climate therapy. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is considered the progenitor of climatotherapy, dating back to 500 BC when it was administered for the treatment of various chronic inflammatory skin disorders (Hristakieva, 2005 ).Climatotherapy is conducted in a marine climate or in upland and mountain regions (Schuh 1993 ). The climatic terrain cure, endurance walking exercise on uphill or sandy paths (terrain cure) under slightly cool condition, is the main part of the climatotherapy, and especially cold air and UV radiation fulfil an important role. (Kanayama et al., 2017 ) According to researchers, high-altitude climate therapy is a widely accepted method that improves clinical symptoms of asthma. This therapy reduces airway inflammation and regulates lymphocyte activity, helping to control the immune system's response (Karagiannidis et al., 2006). According to the Köppen–Geiger climate classification (Peel et al., 2007 ), the climate of Hail was categorized as BWh, being hot and dry. Hail, located at latitude 27.5° N, is approximately 600 km northwest of Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Summer is extremely hot and dry, with DBT exceeding 43°C and an average maximum DBT of roughly 40°C. The average monthly DBT and WBT are 33 and 16.5°C, respectively. Around 19% is the average relative humidity. The significant difference between the DBT and WBT is explained by the low humidity levels. With a mean annual wind speed of 3.39 m/s, the climate may be described as quiet throughout the year. (Abdelhafez et al., 2023 ) The climate in Hail, Saudi Arabia, from (2018 to 2022) shows significant patterns in temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation. Average temperatures peak in the summer months, particularly in June and July, with the highest recorded values nearing 38°C in recent years Fig. 1 .. Relative humidity fluctuates throughout the year, typically lower during the hotter months, peaking in January and February at around 50–70% Fig. 2 . Precipitation data indicate a pronounced wet season, mainly in the spring and winter, with October often experiencing the highest rainfall—exceeding 30 mm. Figure 3 . Overall, Hail experiences a hot desert climate characterized by significant seasonal temperature variations and occasional rainfall. Figure 4 illustrates the average daily sunshine duration in Hail, Saudi Arabia, with the highest hours in summer (around 12.5 hours) and the lowest in winter (about 8.7 hours). While long sunshine hours support outdoor tourism, extreme summer heat may limit activities. Winter offers a more comfortable climate, making it the peak season for tourism. Understanding sunshine patterns helps in planning and promoting tourism effectively. 3. Materials and Methods 3.1. Case Study Region Hail province is a region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the eighth- largest, lying between 25° 30’ and29° N latitude and 39° and 44° 30’ E longitude, encompassing a total surface area of 117,0151 km2 and a population of 731,000 people in 2019. The municipality of Hail is made up of five municipalities: Hail, Baqa, Alghazalah, Asshinan, and Hail (Fig. 1 ) The Nefud Al-Kebir and the Aja Mountains are close to the Hail city (GreatSand Dune Desert). Hail has long been protected from outside invasion by these insurmountable mountains and the equally famed desert. Hail is an agricultural oasis that produces grain, dates, and fruit, with the irrigated gardens of the Hail Province accounting for a substantial percentage of the Kingdom’s wheat output. Hail has a diverse geography with distinctive characteristics such as caverns, mountains, plains, and volcanoes, with enormous potential for adventure and sports activities to complement existing events such as the Hail Rally and Hail Season (Fig. 5 ( (Al Salah, S. 2023 ) Hail City is a megacity in northwestern Saudi Arabia that serves as the capital and largest megacity of the Hail Region. It's geographically located on the literal Najd table, which stretches from Riyadh to Hail in the north. The Kingdom is one of the six Arab Gulf countries, with its own culture and social and profitable conditions (Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain). These countries partake numerous parallels, particularly in terms of population social nature, traditions, life, and beliefs (Arab lines spread in this civic terrain and united by common association ties). Hail City has a population of roughly 605,930 people (General Authority of Statistics، 2021(. 3.2 Methods 3.2.1. Tourism climatic index (TCI) The concept of the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) was designed by Mieczkowski in 1985. The method and concept proposed by Mieczkowski aims to assess the implications of future climate change on the relative comfort level of visitors in an area, especially in tourism. Climate variables are combined into five parameters, three of which are independent and the other two are bioclimatic combinations. Climate variables used in TCI are maximum temperature, average temperature, minimum relative humidity, relative humidity, rainfall, duration of irradiation and wind speed. (Table 1 ). Table 1 Parameters that use in TCI method. Sub-Index Climate Variable by Month Impact on TCI Index Weighting for TCI Daytime Comfort Index (CID) Maximum temperature and minimum temperature Shows thermal comfort when maximum tourist activities occur 40% Daily Comfort Index (CIA) Average air temperature and average humidity Showing thermal comfort over 24 hours, including during sleep 10% Rainfall Precipitation Represents negative values related to outdoor activity 20% Sunshine(S) Sun exposure Rated as a positive vale in tourism, but can be negative because of the danger of sunburn and discomfort during hot conditions 20% Wind(W) Wind velocity Average A variable that influences temperature and overall comfort 10% Source: Scott, D., & McBoyle, G., 2001 , December In general, the tourism climate indices can be categorized to three categorized (Mieczkwoski, 1985). That index can be combined as Tourism Climate Index that combined of seven parameters, three of which independent and two in a bioclimatic combination. The TCI was first developed by Mieczkowski(1985) and combines seven climate variables: maximum daily temperature (unit: °Abbreviation: Tmax ); minimum average daily relative humidity (unit: %, abbreviation: RHmin ); mean daily temperature (unit: °C, abbreviation: Tmean ); mean daily relative humidity (unit:%,abbreviation RH mean ); Precipitation (mm); sunshine duration (unit: hours/day, abbreviation: S); and Wind (average Wind speed, unit: m/s, abbreviation: W). According to Mieczkowski ( 1985 ), the daily comfort index is related to the physiological effects of the cool night–hot day sequence, which is related to the experience of being better able to experience an uncomfortable day after a comfortable night’s sleep (Hounam 1967 ). Our estimation of the thermal comfort components was based on the equation of Missenard ( 1933 )( Cheng, et.al 2019), which appears in Eq. (1): CI = Tn -0.4( T -10)(1- Rn /100) (1) Where Tn signifies mean monthly temperature (°C) and Rn is the mean monthly humidity (%). The TCI is based on the notion of human comfort and consists of five subindexes. It is weighted and computed as follows: TCI = 4 CID + CIA + 2 R + 2 S + W (2) Annotation: TCI: Tourism Climate Index CID : Daytime Comfort Index, is estimated from Eq. (1). consisting of maximum air temperature (ᵒC) and the mean maximum relative humidity (%). CIA : Daily Comfort Index, sub index, which represents average daily thermal comfort, is estimated by Eq. (1), using mean daily temperature and humidity to include the effects of very hot or cold nights (Perch-Nielsenet al. 2010). R : Rainfall, precipitation (mm) W : Wind, mean wind speed (m/s) S: mean stands for sunshine hours.(h/d) . Table 2 Rating scales for sub-indexes of tourism climate index Rates Thermal comfort (°C) Precipitation (mm) Sunshine duration (h/d) Wind speed (m/s) 5 20–27 0.0-14.9 mm 10 hrs or more < 0.8 4.5 19–20 or 27–28 15.0-29.9mm 9 hrs − 9 hrs 59 min 0.89–1.6 4 18–19 or 28–29 30.0-44.9 mm 8 hrs − 8 hrs 59 min 1.7–2.5 3.5 17–18 or 29–30 45.0-59.9 mm 7 hrs − 7 hrs 59 min 2.6–3.4 3 15–17 or 30–31 60.0-74.9 mm 6 hrs − 6 hrs 59 min 3.54–5.5 2.5 10–15 or 31–32 75.0-89.9 mm 5 hrs − 5 hrs 59 min 5.6–6.7 2 5–10 or 32–33 90.0-104.9 mm 4 hrs − 4 hrs 59 min 6.8-8.0 1.5 0–5 or 33–34 105.0–1 19.9 mm 3 hrs − 3 hrs 59 min 8.1–10.7 1 -5 to 0 or 34–35 120.0-134.9 mm 2 hrs − 2 hrs 59 min > 10.8 0.5 35–36 135.0-149.9 mm 1 hr-1 hr 59 min - 0 -10 to -5 150.0 mm or more lessthan 1 hr - Notes : The scale for thermal comfort applies for both the daytime comfort index ( CIA ) and daily comfort index ( CID ) sub-indexes. Wind speed rating scales were converted according to 1km/h = 0.28m/ s . Table 3 Rating categories of the Tourism Climatic Index. (Mieczkowski 1985 ; Mihăilă and Bistricean 2018 ) TCI Scores Rating Description of the Impact on Tourist Activities 100–90 9 Ideal 89.9–80 8 Excellent 79.9–70 7 Very Good 69.9–60 6 Good 59.9–50 5 Acceptable 49.9–40 4 Marginal 39.9–30 3 Unfavorable 29.9–20 2 Very Unfavorable 19.9–10 1 Extremely Unfavorable < 10 0 Impossible The climate comfort degree of tourist destinations in Hail region can be analyzed by looking at the results of TCI value calculations in the area of study using the climatic elements above. The monthly allocation TCI value charts are used to describe and contrast TCI values in the area of hail. The relation between climate comfort measure and number of visits to tourist destination. Can be analyzed by looking at the correlation test results between the number of visits and TCI values. Data processing to see whether there is a correlation between the TCI value and the number of visitors is done by conducting a Spearman Rank correlation test. 3.2.2 Climate data In our study assessing Hail's climate suitability for health tourism using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI), we employed a comprehensive methodology. We sourced monthly climate data—including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation—from the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), the official authority for meteorological data in Saudi Arabia. Focusing on the period from 2018 to 2022, we ensured a thorough representation of long-term climate patterns in the Hail region. We calculated monthly averages for each climatic parameter to align with TCI requirements and conducted quality assurance checks to identify any anomalies, finding none. Applying Mieczkowski's original TCI formula, which utilizes monthly climate data to evaluate a region's suitability for tourism, we analyzed the results to identify optimal seasons offering favorable climatic conditions for health tourism in Hail. We also compared our findings with established climatic comfort standards to assess Hail's alignment with health tourism requirements. This methodology enabled us to provide an accurate evaluation of Hail's climate suitability for health tourism, offering valuable insights for the development of this sector in the region. 3.2.3 Tourism Statistics We used tourism statistics to compare against our TCI results. We retrieved monthly data of tourist visitation to the Hail Region from the ministry of tourism Saudi Arabia ’ open database, available online: . https://mt.gov.sa/tic/publications , accessed on 12 November 2024. In particular, we used the monthly means of the number of inbound tourists from foreign countries. Data availability limited our study to the period 2023. Seasonal Aggregation: Tourist numbers were aggregated by season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn) to analyze seasonal preferences among tourists. ANOVA (Analysis of Variance): An ANOVA test was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences in the mean number of tourists and TCI values across seasons. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the strength and direction of the linear relationship between TCI values and tourism visits. This coefficient ranges from − 1 (perfect negative correlation) to + 1 (perfect positive correlation). 3.2.4. Mapping TCI Scores with GIS Geographic Mapping: Monthly TCI scores were inputted into GIS software to create seasonal and monthly maps showing TCI distribution across the study area. Visualization and Analysis: The GIS maps visually represented TCI variation, enabling spatial analysis of optimal and less favorable tourism seasons based on climate. This approach allows for a precise evaluation of seasonal climate comfort, leveraging Global Weather data to make informed recommendations for sustainable and climate-aligned tourism strategies. 4. Results and Discussion The tourism climate index scores for Hail reveal a generally favorable environment for visitors throughout most of the year, with peak scores recorded from May to September. Particularly, the R-P score consistently reaches a high of 5, indicating excellent conditions for tourism, while the CIA score drops to its lowest of 2.5 in January and February. Other metrics like CID and S also show favorable conditions, maintaining scores of 4 or higher for most months. This suggests that while Hail offers attractive climatic conditions for tourism during the warmer months, winter poses challenges for potential visitors. Figure 6 4.1 TCI index per month in Hail Region. Table 4 result of TCI index per month in Hail Region average (2018–2022). Month TCI Value Classification January 72 Very Good February 78 Very Good March 88 Excellent April 93 Ideal May 96 Ideal June 93 Ideal July 85 Excellent August 89 Excellent September 93 Ideal October 95 Ideal November 97 Ideal December 72 Very Good The figure .7 illustrates the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) values for each month in Hail, providing an overview of the climate suitability for tourism throughout the year. The TCI values range from 72 in January and December, which are classified as "Very Good," to 97 in November, representing "Ideal" conditions. The winter months, January and December , offer slightly less favorable conditions, but are still within the "Very Good" range. As the year progresses, February sees an increase in TCI to 78 , still classified as "Very Good." March , with a TCI of 88 , marks the start of the "Excellent" conditions, which continue through April ( 93 ) and May ( 96 ), both considered "Ideal" for tourism. The summer months, June ( 93 ), July ( 85 ), and August ( 89 ), show strong tourism potential, with July having slightly lower but still "Excellent" conditions. Finally, the fall months , especially September ( 93 ), October ( 95 ), and November ( 97 ), exhibit the highest TCI values, indicating optimal weather for tourism activities. In conclusion, spring and fall emerge as the best seasons for tourism in Hail, while winter offers slightly less favorable, yet still good, conditions. Table 4 & Fig. 8 shows the results of TCI index per month in Hail Region (2018–2022). Ideal Conditions (90–100) : April, May, June, September, October, November. These months offer perfect climatic conditions for tourism, making them the most suitable times for tourists to visit. During these months, tourists will likely experience ideal weather with minimal discomfort, maximizing their experience. Excellent Conditions (80–89) : March, July, August. These months also provide excellent conditions, just slightly below the ideal range. Tourism during these months would still be highly favorable, with great weather conditions. Very Good Conditions (70–79) : January, February, December. These months are classified as very good , meaning conditions are generally favorable for tourism, but they may not be as ideal as other months. Slight discomfort due to weather factors might be present, but tourism is still enjoyable. The months from April to November are the best times for tourism in the location, with many months classified as Ideal or Excellent . January, February, and December are still good times to visit, but they may involve some minor climatic challenges. There are no months with marginal or unfavorable conditions , indicating that this location maintains generally good climate conditions for tourism throughout the year. This analysis highlights the best months for tourism based on the TCI and its classification categories. 4.2 TCI Value and Tourism Visit in Hail Region. The figure shows the number of tourists in hail region 2023,the highest month in may 51.614 tourist and lowest month in November 19.992 tourist. Table (5) Tourist Distribution and TCI Scores by Month Month Season Number of tourists TCI % of tourists Rank Jan Winter 28913 72 8.1% 5 Feb Winter 27920 78 7.8% 6 Mar Spring 51614 88 14.4% 1 Apr Spring 29591 93 8.3% 4 May Spring 49748 96 13.9% 2 Jun Summer 20201 93 5.6% 11 Jul Summer 24251 85 6.8% 9 Aug Summer 26448 89 7.4% 7 Sep Autumn 29867 93 8.3% 3 Oct Autumn 25985 95 7.3% 8 Nov Autumn 19992 97 5.6% 12 Dec Winter 23290 72 6.5% 10 Total 357820 100% The table (5) presents a month-wise distribution of tourists along with the corresponding Tourism Climate Index (TCI), percentage of tourists, and ranking of tourist flow. Tourist Flow Trends : March shows the highest tourist influx with 51,614 visitors, which is 14.4% of the total tourists, and has a TCI of 88, indicating favorable climate conditions. The spring season, in general, experiences the highest number of tourists, specifically in March, April, and May. Seasonal Climate Conditions : The TCI values vary throughout the year, reflecting how the climate affects tourism. The spring months have the highest TCI values, such as 96 in May, indicating nearly ideal conditions. In contrast, the winter months, such as January and December, show lower TCI values (72), leading to fewer tourists during these months. Rankings : March, May, and September are ranked highest in terms of tourists due to their optimal climatic conditions. Conversely, November and December rank lower, with the least tourist activity. Table (6) Seasonal Breakdown of Tourists. Season No. of tourists % of tourists Autumn 75844 21.2% Spring 130953 36.6% Summer 70900 19.8% Winter 80123 22.4% Total 357820 100.0% This table aggregates the data on a seasonal basis: Seasonal Preference : Spring sees the largest number of tourists, accounting for 36.6% of the total, followed by winter (22.4%), autumn (21.2%), and summer (19.8%). Climate Impact : The higher percentage of tourists in spring corresponds to the ideal TCI values during this period, underscoring the strong relationship between favorable climate and tourist attraction. The largest number of tourists (Fig. 10 ) in the spring season reached 130953, representing a percentage of 36.6% of total tourists in year. 4.3 Significant Differences of TCI Value and Tourism Visits Table (7) Comparison between seasons in the average number of tourists and TCI. Season Average No. of tourists Average TCI Classification Autumn 25281 95 Ideal Spring 43651 92 Ideal Summer 23633 89 Excellent Winter 26708 74 Very Good F test 21.855 5.388 P-value 0.000 0.025 Comment Significant Significant Winter : On average, there were 26,708 tourists with a TCI of 74 . Spring : The number of tourists significantly increased to 43,651, with a higher TCI of 92, indicating more favorable conditions for tourism. Summer : Tourist numbers dropped to 23,633, but the TCI remained high at 89. Autumn : There were 25,281 tourists, and the TCI was the highest at 95, suggesting that the autumn season offers the best conditions for tourism. The Table 7 shows Comparison between seasons in the average number of tourists and TCI.& Fig. 11 shows the TCI value by season in Hail Region based on seasonal mean values in 2018–2022. Mean Tourist Numbers by Season The average number of tourists peaks in spring (43,651) and is lowest in summer (23,633), reflecting the influence of TCI on seasonal tourist distribution. TCI Classification : Spring and autumn are classified as "Ideal" seasons, with TCIs of 92 and 95, respectively. Summer, despite being a less popular season for tourism, still has an "Excellent" TCI rating of 89, while winter is rated "Very Good" with a TCI of 74. Significant Differences : The F-test results indicate a statistically significant difference between seasons in both the mean number of tourists (p-value = 0.000) and the mean TCI (p-value = 0.025). This highlights that tourist flow is strongly influenced by seasonal climate variations, which is quantitatively supported by the significant p-values. The analysis confirms the critical role climate plays in influencing tourism in the region. The spring season stands out as the most attractive for tourists due to its optimal climate conditions, as reflected by high TCI values and tourist numbers. In contrast, winter, with lower TCI values, attracts fewer tourists. The statistical tests provide evidence of significant differences in both the number of tourists and TCI scores across seasons, reinforcing the direct relationship between climate and tourist activity, We note that there is a significant difference between seasons in the mean of number of tourists (p-value is 0.000 less than 0.05), also there is a significant difference between seasons in the mean of TCI (p-value is 0.025 less than 0.05). Correlation of TCI Value and Tourism Visits Table (8) Correlation between number of tourists and TCI Correlations No. of tourists TCI No. of tourists Pearson Correlation 1 .144 Sig. (2-tailed) .656 N 12 12 TCI Pearson Correlation .144 1 Sig. (2-tailed) .656 N 12 12 The results of the correlation test between the number of visits and TCI values were conducted to determine whether there was a correlation between the level of comfort of the tourist destination area and the number of visitors who came to the tourist attraction. The Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.144, indicating a weak, positive relationship between the number of tourists and TCI. The P-value is 0.656, meaning there is no statistically significant correlation between the number of tourists and TCI (since the P-value is greater than 0.05). Recent studies confirm that the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) alone is not a sufficient predictor of tourism flows, as other environmental and socio-economic factors play a significant role. Jiaming Liu et al.2022 developed the Coastal Tourism Climate Index (CTCI), highlighting the importance of environmental aspects like air quality alongside climate conditions for Chinese coastal tourism. 5. Discussion The findings from this study reveal a clear correlation between seasonal climate suitability, as measured by the Tourism Climate Index (TCI), and tourist distribution in Hail. The spring and autumn seasons consistently exhibit the highest TCI scores, which are classified as "Ideal." These periods coincide with an influx of tourists, particularly in the months of March and May. These trends underscore the significant role that climate plays in shaping health tourism patterns. Optimal weather conditions, characterized by moderate temperatures and low humidity, contribute directly to visitor comfort and satisfaction, which are key factors in health-focused tourism. Tourists seeking therapeutic or wellness benefits often prioritize comfort, and an "Ideal" climate serves as an essential component in enhancing the overall travel experience. The findings support the notion that favorable weather is not just a luxury but a necessity in health tourism, where outdoor activities, relaxation, and natural healing are common experiences. Conversely, the winter months, which exhibit lower TCI values and less favorable climatic conditions, see a noticeable decline in tourist activity. This suggests that harsher weather conditions—such as colder temperatures and less sunshine—discourage visits to the region, especially for those seeking outdoor or wellness-based tourism experiences. These results further highlight the significance of climate in determining not just when, but also where, tourists are most likely to visit. However, while climate plays a critical role, the correlation analysis indicates that it is not the sole factor influencing tourist flow. Other socio-economic and environmental factors, such as local infrastructure, economic stability, and cultural attractions, also contribute to determining the appeal of Hail as a health tourism destination. For instance, the availability of medical facilities, wellness resorts, and wellness-related services may enhance the attractiveness of a destination during less favorable seasons. Similarly, socio-economic factors, including the affordability of travel and accommodation, can affect travel decisions independent of climate conditions. Additionally, environmental factors such as air quality, pollution levels, and the accessibility of natural landscapes may also influence tourist numbers. Although climate is an important variable, these other elements often work in tandem to shape the overall tourism experience. Future research should aim to explore the relative impact of these socio-economic and environmental factors alongside climate in order to build a more comprehensive understanding of tourist flow patterns. The F-test results further substantiate the significance of these seasonal variations. The statistical analysis confirms that the differences in both TCI scores and tourist numbers across seasons are indeed significant, with p-values well below 0.05. This provides strong evidence that climate, as measured by TCI, is a primary determinant in shaping seasonal tourism patterns. The robust nature of these findings affirms the hypothesis that the seasonal climate suitability of a region is a central factor in driving tourism activity, especially for health-focused tourists who place high importance on environmental comfort. In conclusion, while the climate remains a dominant factor, this study emphasizes the need to consider a holistic approach to understanding tourism trends. Future studies could explore how climate preferences align with other tourist expectations, such as cultural engagement, wellness offerings, and the perceived benefits of local resources, thus offering more nuanced insights into the dynamics of health tourism in Hail. 6. Conclusions The study concludes that the climate in Hail is highly conducive to health tourism, with ideal conditions predominantly in spring and autumn. Utilizing TCI as a tool for climate suitability highlights the best seasons for maximizing tourist comfort and satisfaction. For Hail to fully leverage its potential as a health tourism destination, development efforts should focus on promoting these peak seasons and integrating climate therapy practices. The findings also suggest that while TCI is a valuable predictor of seasonal tourist trends, comprehensive tourism planning should consider additional factors, such as air quality and accessibility, to provide a holistic approach to sustainable tourism development in the region. To translate these findings into actionable steps, the following practical recommendations are proposed to enhance tourism development in Hail while ensuring sustainability and economic growth: 1. Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure Invest in climate-adaptive infrastructure such as shaded walkways, cooling stations, and eco-friendly accommodations. Develop smart tourism facilities using digital platforms to provide real-time climate data to visitors. 2. Seasonal Tourism Planning Promote tourism activities during the most favorable climatic months to maximize visitor comfort and satisfaction. Develop diversified tourism packages that align with seasonal variations, such as adventure tourism in cooler months and indoor cultural experiences in hotter periods. 3. Sustainability and Environmental Management Implement green building standards in tourism facilities to reduce environmental impact. Encourage the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, in hotels and tourism centers. Introduce water conservation initiatives to address the challenges of arid climate conditions. 4. Economic and Community Engagement Foster local entrepreneurship by supporting small businesses that offer traditional crafts, local cuisine, and guided tours. Develop training programs for local communities to enhance their participation in the tourism industry. Establish incentives for private sector investment in sustainable tourism projects. 5. Policy and Governance Develop policies that integrate climate resilience into tourism planning. Strengthen collaboration between tourism authorities, environmental agencies, and academic institutions to enhance research and policy formulation. Establish monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the long-term impact of climate conditions on tourism activities. 7. Implications for Research, Practice, and Society This research has significant implications for multiple domains, including academia, policy, and industry. In terms of research , the study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on climate-based tourism assessments, particularly in the Middle East. Future studies can build upon these findings by exploring additional climatic factors or integrating economic variables into tourism climate models. For practice , the findings provide tourism stakeholders, business investors, and policymakers with a structured approach to optimizing tourism development based on climate conditions. By aligning tourism offerings with favorable climatic seasons, the region can enhance visitor experiences and increase economic returns. Additionally, climate-informed tourism strategies can help mitigate the adverse effects of extreme seasonal variations on tourism demand. On a societal level , the research underscores the potential of tourism as a driver of economic and cultural progress in Hail. By leveraging its climate for tourism, the region can create job opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance community engagement in the tourism sector. Furthermore, climate therapy-based tourism initiatives can provide health benefits, attracting visitors seeking wellness and relaxation in natural environments. By implementing the proposed recommendations and considering the broader implications, Hail can position itself as a sustainable and competitive tourism destination, benefiting both its economy and society. Declarations Acknowledgement “This research has been funded by Scientific Research Deanship at University of Ha’il – Saudi Arabia through project number [grant number RCP-24 140]. So, we would like to express my profound gratitude to the whole team of the Deanship of Scientific Research for their outstanding work and unwavering support. Author Contribution Author Contributions StatementThe authors confirm their contributions to this manuscript as follows:Ehab Rabee Mohammed Ali: Conceptualization, methodology, data collection, formal analysis, writing—original draft, and project supervision.Yassir Mohammed Osman Hammad: Literature review, data interpretation, statistical analysis, and manuscript editing.El-Tag El-Nour A. Ibrahim: Writing—review and editing, language proofreading, and theoretical framework development.Saad Aljurayyad: Data curation, visualization, GIS mapping, and discussion of results.All authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6252976","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":443415980,"identity":"b2999d65-823c-45ef-af08-c1e0dc50a495","order_by":0,"name":"Ehab Ali","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA6UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDACCTB5gIGBvYGBGchibCBeC88BkrVIJBCphV+6+QFzRc0dOX7JN4aPCxhsZDccYH/4AZ8WyTnHDBjPHHtmLDk7x9h4BkOa8YYDPMYS+LQY3EgwYGxgO5y44XaOmTQPA5BxgIcBrxb7G+kfGBv+Ha7ff/MMSMt/oBb2xz/w2iKRY8DY2HY4wUCCB6TlAFALgxleWyRu5BQcbOx7ZjjjTFqxMY9BsvHMwzxmFvi08M9I3/iw4dsdef72wxsf81TYyfYdb398A58WEDiA5E4gZiakfhSMglEwCkYBQQAAEmVLLtdLT+IAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ha'il","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ehab","middleName":"","lastName":"Ali","suffix":""},{"id":443415981,"identity":"48f234d7-6c4e-4530-bb30-0bcf70cc4470","order_by":1,"name":"Yassir Hammad","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ha'il","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yassir","middleName":"","lastName":"Hammad","suffix":""},{"id":443415982,"identity":"4dbfb9da-3979-4464-9ee0-3e97c065d685","order_by":2,"name":"El-Tag Ibrahim","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ha'il","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"El-Tag","middleName":"","lastName":"Ibrahim","suffix":""},{"id":443415983,"identity":"cba4f6f6-ecc1-4afa-b223-2e0b24cecec1","order_by":3,"name":"Saad Aljurayyad","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ha'il","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Saad","middleName":"","lastName":"Aljurayyad","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-03-18 12:08:20","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6252976/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6252976/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":81140752,"identity":"112ec55c-badf-47e1-98d2-c9893f27be40","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:13","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":113903,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTemperature change from2018–2022,in Hail, KSA.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/202ffb5fd97b3b8d51a14c05.png"},{"id":81140751,"identity":"5369220f-ff2c-4dbe-a8e0-dab761a24602","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:13","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":106425,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRelative Humidity from 2018-2022 in Hail KSA.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/71980c793c13bca5b4d515ff.png"},{"id":81141048,"identity":"10611c07-afc1-4261-902d-fa9de5831295","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:50:13","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":127446,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePrecipitation / Rainfall mm (in) 2018-2022 in Hail; KSA\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/97beed7704e6b0133d75169f.png"},{"id":81141049,"identity":"c1f245bb-1bf5-4e43-86e2-143841578086","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:50:13","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":26293,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSunshine duration (h/d) (in) 2018-2022 in Hail; KSA\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/9a899dc08e86b8479863cd2e.png"},{"id":81141050,"identity":"0e299474-3eeb-401a-8e55-47bc8fc058d6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:50:13","extension":"jpg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":33764,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMap of Hail Region (Mintaqah), Saudi Arabia showing the administrative divisions, region boundary, major cities, major roads and Hail capital\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/f059634db7ba0904285274e2.jpg"},{"id":81140758,"identity":"8bd8eeba-850d-458b-8616-3ef61b7430ca","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:13","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":42774,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTourism climate index score in hail region.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/1f203d7eca1de44c22b4b26a.png"},{"id":81140764,"identity":"19fc1c7a-95ab-48cb-b210-5e7cfaa46faa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:13","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":45893,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eresult TCI Value by Months.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/3a1f9ead0946a1bd2c4fe72c.png"},{"id":81140763,"identity":"ab68c309-2104-42d3-a576-8b688af5b5a9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:13","extension":"jpg","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":78012,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eresult of TCI index value per month in Hail Region.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cem\u003ebased on multi-monthly mean values in 2018–2022.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/04e41f68cde28b4f9b4f5a00.jpg"},{"id":81141056,"identity":"4acc4343-cb22-46ce-9d40-ff2b39515bc7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:50:13","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":73064,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003enumber of tourists in hail region by month 2023. Source: \u003c/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://mt.gov.sa/\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinistry of Tourism Saudi Arabia,2024.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/9c153e48875ad2fb5f386366.png"},{"id":81140781,"identity":"c22a4acb-98b5-491f-82ce-3aba355323e7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:14","extension":"png","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":19485,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003enumber of tourists in hail region by month 2023 by season.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/cc2eb4a62117b760c9756c4e.png"},{"id":81140773,"identity":"bf50a91c-78fa-4321-a8c8-eb2ffeca1ead","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:13","extension":"jpg","order_by":11,"title":"Figure 11","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":79641,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eresult of TCI index value by season in Hail Region.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cem\u003ebased on multi-monthly mean values in 2018–2022.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"11.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/5e48871e8a1d05dcd62974e8.jpg"},{"id":85073322,"identity":"6a3f5ff1-1d01-4ffd-8dc0-337103e96b64","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-20 16:01:51","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2568328,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/d505c922-1e11-4af5-9a32-c1f4ab8d6ba5.pdf"},{"id":81140754,"identity":"29949c37-4de4-4209-aa5c-6df335dc99c0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-04-22 16:42:13","extension":"xlsx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":31615,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Hailstation.xlsx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6252976/v1/12445b5607e95fd098a9c1b1.xlsx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Climatic Elements as Development Factors of Health Tourism in Hail Region: using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI)","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eHealth care is a global industry designed to benefit mankind. Health care and wellness is a \u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e4.2 trillion industry, second in revenue to agricultural industries. The health-care market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is driven by both public expenditure (74.2%) and by the private sector (25.8%); with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR of 12.3%), the private sector participation is expected to increase to 28.1% by 2025 (The Pulse \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the definition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), health tourism is one of the tourism forms implying tourists travel to use natural resources, the primacy of climate and mineral waters (spa places), in order to improve their general, mental and physical health. However, numerous authors in their tourism studies point out that this definition is very narrow because it highlights the climate and mineral springs as the main factors in health tourism development. In addition to climate and mineral resources, the development of health tourism can be influenced by mountains, lakes, rivers, forest ecosystems and other natural attractions. Certain types of health tourism are medical and wellness and spa tourism. Medical tourism implies traveling to access medical treatments and provide medical assistance in the treatment of diseases. Wellness and spa tourism is focused on the prevention and improvement of the general health of tourists using medicinal (curative) and other tourist content. ( Pessot, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Marić Stanković,et al.2022).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClimate is a key resource for tourism (Scott et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e). Although not the focal point of travel, weather conditions are a decisive factor for specific tourist activities (Amelung et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Climate has been found to affect the seasonality of tourism, the choice of destination and the satisfaction of the vacation (cf. Scott et al, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Amelung et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e; G\u0026ouml;ssling et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Giddy et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Hoogendoorn and Fitchett, 2018).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOutdoor tourism is highly climate-sensitive as tourists are directly exposed to any adverse weather during the course of the activities that have attracted them to the destination (Becken 2010). However, the ideal climatic conditions depend on the nature of the primary attraction and activities on offer. For health tourism.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClimate is one of the important natural factors that is a concern for tourists. According to Aguil\u0026oacute; et al. (2005) climate is one of the main drivers in international tourism, as most tourists look for opportunities to relax in the sun or snow. Tourists generally look for tourist attractions with climate conditions that are more comfortable and different compared to the conditions of the climate where they live. Each climate parameter has its own influence on tourists.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe use of climate information in the tourism sector is used by three main users, namely tourists, tourism developers and also government institutions. For tourists, weather forecasts in tourist destinations and weather conditions are very important for tourists. Then for tourism developers, existing climate information is useful for strategic planning for infrastructure development. As for government institutions, climate information is used to identify climate change risks and as a reference for future mitigation programs (Scoot and Lemieux, 2010).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClimate therapy, which involves utilizing natural climatic factors such as sunlight, temperature, and humidity to promote health, is gaining prominence in health tourism. This form of therapy is especially beneficial for treating conditions like respiratory issues, skin diseases, and stress-related ailments (Becker, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e). As a region with a unique desert climate, Hail in Saudi Arabia presents significant potential for the development of climate therapy tourism. With its dry atmosphere, abundant sunshine, and moderate winter and spring temperatures, Hail can become a destination for tourists seeking health benefits from its natural environment. Developing health resorts that incorporate climate therapy could attract visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where similar climatic conditions may not be as accessible throughout the year. Successful models, such as the Dead Sea, have long been recognized for their therapeutic climates, especially for skin conditions (Sivan \u0026amp; Sukenik, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). By leveraging Hail\u0026rsquo;s climatic advantages and aligning with global trends in wellness tourism, the region could tap into a growing market while promoting sustainable tourism practices (G\u0026ouml;ssling, Scott, \u0026amp; Hall, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Papageorgiou, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe tourism climate comfort index is a very effective method for the assessment of the climate elements\u0026rsquo; competence as a condition for tourism development. Competence is based on the comfort and feeling of the human body\u0026rsquo;s pleasantness to certain climatic conditions with outdoor activities.( Cao,et al.2022).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis paper uses the TCI to quantify the climatic suitability of the hail region for health tourism. The index has already been applied to South Africa (Fitchett et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), and in Afriski Mountain Resort (Noome, et al. 2019) but has not yet been applied to Hail region. Climatic data are sourced from National Center of Meteorology Saudi Arabia, where temperature, precipitation and humidity. The objectives of this research are to: classify the climatic suitability of hail region for tourism using the TCI, to compare the suitability output to the primary climatic requirements for the tourism attractions, and finally to analyses the appropriateness of the index for health tourism at hail region\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA key rationale for this study is the lack of similar research in the Gulf and Middle East regions on assessing climate suitability for the development of health tourism. While global destinations leverage unique climatic features to promote health and wellness tourism, there is limited research dedicated to evaluating the climate for therapeutic tourism within this region, making this study a valuable and unique contribution to the field.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research aims to bridge this academic gap by focusing on Hail and analyzing its climate suitability for health tourism using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI), a reliable tool for assessing tourism-related climate conditions. The study is essential to highlight the role of Hail\u0026rsquo;s climate in enhancing health tourism and to open new avenues for developing competitive wellness destinations in the region.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eThe justification for selecting the Hail Region\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHail was selected due to its unique climatic conditions, which provide an opportunity for health tourism, particularly in spring and autumn when the climate is most suitable. Moreover, it is a developing tourism destination with untapped potential for wellness tourism. The region is known for its moderate temperatures, low humidity, and abundant sunshine in favorable seasons, which align well with health tourism requirements. Additionally, Hail has historical and cultural significance, making it an attractive location for tourists.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe region also offers unique geographical and environmental features, including desert landscapes and mountainous terrain, which contribute to its potential for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Moreover, Hail has been identified as a priority area in Saudi Arabia\u0026rsquo;s Vision 2030 tourism development plans, making it a strategic focus for sustainable tourism growth. These factors collectively highlight the importance of focusing on Hail rather than the entire country, as it presents a distinctive case for the development of health tourism.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Theoretical Framework Climate and Tourism ","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.1 Concepts and Definitions of Health Tourism\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a variety of definitions used in this field, with commentators referring to health tourism, wellness tourism, medical tourism and spa tourism as the more frequently used descriptors where \u0026lsquo;improved health on holiday ... has become the central theme of tourism in an active rather than a passive sense\u0026rsquo; (Connell, 2006).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMueller and Kaufmann\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e) definition of health tourism, following Kaspar (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1996\u003c/span\u003e),is \u0026lsquo;the sum of all the relationships and phenomena resulting from a change in location and residence by people in order to promote, stabilize and, as appropriate, restore physical ,mental and social well-being while using health services and for whom the place where they are staying is neither their principal nor permanent place of residence or work\u0026rsquo;.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Definition and Purpose of the Tourism Climate Index.\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Tourism Climate Index (TCI) serves as a vital tool for assessing the climatic suitability of various destinations for tourism activities. By evaluating climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity, the TCI aids stakeholders in understanding the potential appeal of a location to tourists. This index not only informs destination planning and management strategies but also highlights the significant impact of climate on tourist behavior and preferences. In the context of sustainable tourism development, the TCI is increasingly relevant, as it enables stakeholders to make informed decisions that promote both environmental preservation and enhanced visitor experiences. (Sultana \u0026amp; Paul, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.3 Application of the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) in Tourism Research.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Tourism Climate Index (TCI), developed by Mieczkowski (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e), has been widely used in tourism research to evaluate the climatic suitability of destinations for tourism activities. It integrates multiple meteorological factors, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, and wind speed, to assess the overall comfort level for tourists. Over the past decades, numerous studies have applied the TCI to different geographical locations, examining its reliability, usability, and implications for tourism development and climate change adaptation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1 TCI Applications in Regional Tourism Planning\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeveral studies have applied the TCI to assess tourism potential in various regions. For instance, a study in Baluchestan, Iran, analyzed TCI values over a 20-year period, identifying seasonal variations in climate suitability for tourism (Heydari \u0026amp; Movahed, 2011). The findings revealed that spring and autumn had the highest TCI scores, indicating optimal conditions for tourism, while summer experienced lower comfort levels due to high temperatures. Similarly, research in hot arid climates has examined the applicability of TCI in extreme environments. A study conducted in desert regions suggested that while the original TCI model was effective, modifications were needed to better represent the impact of extreme heat on tourists (Mohammadi et al., 2022).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScott and McBoyle (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e) integrated climate change projections into TCI and assessed the climate change impacts on comfort levels in North American cities. The results of this study revealed a decrease in TCI scores in the summer period, specifically in July and August of the projected year. Afterward, Scott et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) extended the study to Canada, Mexico, and the USA and clearly presented the difference between the Northern regions, where climate suitability increases, and the Southern regions, where comfort levels decrease. Similar findings were observed in European studies. The PESETA project (Ciscar et al., 2009) assessed TCI score changes and concluded that Western and Northern European regions would experience increased TCI scores, while Southern Europe would see a decline by the end of the 21st century. Furthermore, Grillakis et al. (2016) conducted TCI assessments for a 2\u0026deg;C warming scenario, emphasizing the high risk for the Mediterranean Basin, including T\u0026uuml;rkiye, during the summer period. City-specific applications, such as those in El-Almain, Egypt (El-Masry et al., 2022) and İzmir, T\u0026uuml;rkiye (Adiguzel et al., 2022), confirmed the findings of previous studies, highlighting shifts in peak tourism seasons.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.2 Impact of Climate Change on Tourism Comfort\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTCI has also been utilized to examine the impact of climate change on tourism destinations. For example, a study in Tibet analyzed climate data from 1960 to 2015, applying the TCI model to assess long-term trends in tourism climate comfort (Wang et al., 2019). The findings indicated that climate change had slightly improved tourism conditions in some months but reduced suitability in others, particularly in high-altitude regions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoreover, a comparative analysis of climate indices in the Asia-Pacific region examined the evolution of the Holiday Climate Index (HCI): Beach in relation to the TCI. The study demonstrated that while TCI remains a useful tool, new indices like HCI offer more refined assessments for specific tourism market segments, such as beach tourism (Scott \u0026amp; Rutty, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Similar conclusions were drawn from studies assessing TCI variations across North America and Europe, confirming that climate change has the potential to alter the suitability of traditional tourist destinations while improving conditions in other regions (Scott et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Grillakis et al., 2016).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.3 Reliability and Usability of the TCI in Tourism Decision-Making\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe effectiveness of the TCI in guiding tourism planning and investment has been widely discussed. A study assessing the reliability and usability of TCI for tourism businesses found that while TCI provides a useful overview of climatic suitability, additional factors such as cultural preferences, economic conditions, and infrastructure must be considered (Rutty \u0026amp; Scott, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Despite its widespread application, the TCI has been subject to criticism. Scott et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) pointed out that the index's rating system and the weighting of variables are subjective, leading to potential biases in evaluating tourism comfort. Additionally, TCI generalizes tourism activities, failing to account for the unique climatic needs of different types of tourism. For example, beach tourism requires different climate conditions than cultural tourism or skiing.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother major limitation is its low resolution, as TCI relies on monthly data instead of daily or hourly data, reducing its accuracy in capturing short-term climatic variations (Scott et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). This limitation affects its reliability in precise tourism planning and decision-making. Despite these challenges, TCI remains a widely used tool in tourism climatology, with ongoing research seeking to refine its methodology to enhance its usability in tourism planning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Hail\u0026rsquo;s Tourism Potential.\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eHail is a city rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a compelling destination for tourists. Nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia, Hail boasts stunning landscapes that include vast deserts, rugged mountains, and lush oases. The area's diverse topography provides countless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camel trekking, and stargazing, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors are often captivated by the sight of the Al-Nafud desert, known for its striking red sand dunes, while the Aja and Salma mountains offer breathtaking views that highlight the region's geological wonder. Its unique blend of cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and evolving infrastructure positions it as a noteworthy destination for both domestic and international travelers (Rehman \u0026amp; Alnuzhah, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). The interplay between Hail's historical attractions and its natural resources offers a fertile ground for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of tourism, including the economic implications and the sustainability challenges that arise in the sector. As we delve into the various aspects of Hail's tourism potential, it becomes crucial to consider not only the immediate benefits but also the long-term impacts on the community and environment (Abdel Azim Ahmed, 2018).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePromoting tourism would help diversify the economy from the oil-based economy and take measures that promote sustainability. The Ha'il region of Saudi Arabia offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions. Urban tourism heritage sites, such as the rock drawings and the Al Naif Archeological Palace Museum in Jubbah. Ha'il city itself boasts several significant landmarks, including Hatim al-Tai's view atop As-Samra Mountains, a symbol of Arab hospitality, and the Qishlah Historical Castle, built in 1941. The Al-Maghawah amusement park hosts the Ha'il summer festival, featuring diverse activities and cultural programs (Ibrahim, Baqawy, \u0026amp; Said Mohamed, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The study conducted by Rehman \u0026amp; Alnuzhah (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) showed that (79%) of the participants went to Hail by car, while 21% traveled by plane; which showed the ease of access to the destination and the location of the infrastructure. They gave the destination an excellent rating for their visit, and a high percentage of them stated that they would return to Hail in the future. The study also showed the most prominent facilities that were visited and that they were good places for visitors, such as Al Samra Entertainment Park and other sites that gave a feeling of relaxation and entertainment, reduced work pressure, participated in new adventures, increased my knowledge of new things, and saw ancient cultural places.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal festivals serve as vital conduits for preserving cultural heritage, fostering community identity, and enhancing social cohesion. They not only reflect the rich tapestry of regional customs and histories but also significantly contribute to local economies by attracting tourists and supporting small businesses. Festivals encourage local engagement and volunteerism, creating a sense of ownership among community members (Petkova, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Culturally, Hail is steeped in history, with numerous archaeological sites and ancient ruins narrating past civilizations' stories. The region is home to traditional festivals and events that celebrate its heritage, further enhancing its appeal to tourists interested in experiencing local customs and traditions. Recent developments in tourism infrastructure, such as improved hotels and guided tours, have made it easier for visitors to explore the city and its surroundings. The city has been a witness to numerous significant events that have contributed to the collective memory and identity of its inhabitants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvestment opportunities abound in developing eco-friendly accommodations and experiences that cater to nature lovers (Alghuson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Hail has the potential to become a notable tourist destination with the right strategies and investments. As interest in Saudi Arabia's cultural and natural heritage grows, Hail can capitalize on its unique offerings. Future tourism strategies should focus on enhancing accessibility and promoting the region's attractions to a wider audience. This could involve improved transportation networks and creating more engaging marketing campaigns that highlight Hail's stunning landscapes and rich history. The economic impact of tourism is profound, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth and job creation (Sadiq et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). As more visitors are drawn to Hail's natural landscapes and cultural heritage, local businesses are experiencing increased demand. This surge in tourism stimulates various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation, leading to the establishment and expansion of new businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and tour operators are emerging to accommodate and engage tourists, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Hail City Climate Analysis and climate therapy.\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eHippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is considered the progenitor of climatotherapy, dating back to 500 BC when it was administered for the treatment of various chronic inflammatory skin disorders (Hristakieva, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e).Climatotherapy is conducted in a marine climate or in upland and mountain regions (Schuh \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e). The climatic terrain cure, endurance walking exercise on uphill or sandy paths (terrain cure) under slightly cool condition, is the main part of the climatotherapy, and especially cold air and UV radiation fulfil an important role. (Kanayama et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) According to researchers, high-altitude climate therapy is a widely accepted method that improves clinical symptoms of asthma. This therapy reduces airway inflammation and regulates lymphocyte activity, helping to control the immune system's response (Karagiannidis et al., 2006).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the K\u0026ouml;ppen\u0026ndash;Geiger climate classification (Peel et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e), the climate of Hail was categorized as BWh, being hot and dry. Hail, located at latitude 27.5\u0026deg; N, is approximately 600 km northwest of Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Summer is extremely hot and dry, with DBT exceeding 43\u0026deg;C and an average maximum DBT of roughly 40\u0026deg;C. The average monthly DBT and WBT are 33 and 16.5\u0026deg;C, respectively. Around 19% is the average relative humidity. The significant difference between the DBT and WBT is explained by the low humidity levels. With a mean annual wind speed of 3.39 m/s, the climate may be described as quiet throughout the year. (Abdelhafez et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe climate in Hail, Saudi Arabia, from (2018 to 2022) shows significant patterns in temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation. Average temperatures peak in the summer months, particularly in June and July, with the highest recorded values nearing 38\u0026deg;C in recent years Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.. Relative humidity fluctuates throughout the year, typically lower during the hotter months, peaking in January and February at around 50\u0026ndash;70% Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Precipitation data indicate a pronounced wet season, mainly in the spring and winter, with October often experiencing the highest rainfall\u0026mdash;exceeding 30 mm. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. Overall, Hail experiences a hot desert climate characterized by significant seasonal temperature variations and occasional rainfall.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e illustrates the average daily sunshine duration in Hail, Saudi Arabia, with the highest hours in summer (around 12.5 hours) and the lowest in winter (about 8.7 hours). While long sunshine hours support outdoor tourism, extreme summer heat may limit activities. Winter offers a more comfortable climate, making it the peak season for tourism. Understanding sunshine patterns helps in planning and promoting tourism effectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.1. Case Study Region\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHail province is a region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the eighth- largest, lying between 25\u0026deg; 30\u0026rsquo; and29\u0026deg; N latitude and 39\u0026deg; and 44\u0026deg; 30\u0026rsquo; E longitude, encompassing a total surface area of 117,0151 km2 and a population of 731,000 people in 2019. The municipality of Hail is made up of five municipalities: Hail, Baqa, Alghazalah, Asshinan, and Hail (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) The Nefud Al-Kebir and the Aja Mountains are close to the Hail city (GreatSand Dune Desert). Hail has long been protected from outside invasion by these insurmountable mountains and the equally famed desert. Hail is an agricultural oasis that produces grain, dates, and fruit, with the irrigated gardens of the Hail Province accounting for a substantial percentage of the Kingdom\u0026rsquo;s wheat output. Hail has a diverse geography with distinctive characteristics such as caverns, mountains, plains, and volcanoes, with enormous potential for adventure and sports activities to complement existing events such as the Hail Rally and Hail Season (Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e( (Al Salah, S. \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHail City is a megacity in northwestern Saudi Arabia that serves as the capital and largest megacity of the Hail Region. It's geographically located on the literal Najd table, which stretches from Riyadh to Hail in the north. The Kingdom is one of the six Arab Gulf countries, with its own culture and social and profitable conditions (Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain). These countries partake numerous parallels, particularly in terms of population social nature, traditions, life, and beliefs (Arab lines spread in this civic terrain and united by common association ties). Hail City has a population of roughly 605,930 people (General Authority of Statistics، 2021(.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"Heading\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2 Methods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e3.2.1. Tourism climatic index\u003c/em\u003e (TCI)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept of the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) was designed by Mieczkowski in 1985. The method and concept proposed by Mieczkowski aims to assess the implications of future climate change on the relative comfort level of visitors in an area, especially in tourism. Climate variables are combined into five parameters, three of which are independent and the other two are bioclimatic combinations. Climate variables used in TCI are maximum temperature, average temperature, minimum relative humidity, relative humidity, rainfall, duration of irradiation and wind speed. (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParameters that use in TCI method.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSub-Index\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClimate Variable by Month\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImpact on TCI Index\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeighting for TCI\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaytime Comfort Index (CID)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaximum temperature and minimum temperature\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eShows thermal comfort when maximum tourist activities occur\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e40%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\nDaily Comfort Index (CIA)\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAverage air temperature and average humidity\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eShowing thermal comfort over 24 hours, including during sleep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e10%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRainfall\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrecipitation\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRepresents negative values related to outdoor activity\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e20%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunshine(S)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSun exposure\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRated as a positive vale in tourism, but can be negative because of the danger of sunburn and discomfort during hot conditions\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e20%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWind(W)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWind velocity Average\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA variable that influences temperature and overall comfort\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e10%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003eSource: Scott, D., \u0026amp; McBoyle, G., \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e, December\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn general, the tourism climate indices can be categorized to three categorized (Mieczkwoski, 1985). That index can be combined as Tourism Climate Index that combined of seven parameters, three of which independent and two in a bioclimatic combination.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe TCI was first developed by Mieczkowski(1985) and combines seven climate variables:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emaximum daily temperature (unit: \u0026deg;Abbreviation: \u003cem\u003eTmax\u003c/em\u003e); minimum average daily relative humidity (unit: %, abbreviation: \u003cem\u003eRHmin\u003c/em\u003e); mean daily temperature (unit: \u0026deg;C, abbreviation:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTmean\u003c/em\u003e); mean daily relative humidity (unit:%,abbreviation RH\u003cem\u003emean\u003c/em\u003e); Precipitation (mm); sunshine duration (unit: hours/day, abbreviation: S); and Wind (average Wind speed, unit: m/s, abbreviation: W).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Mieczkowski (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e), the daily comfort index is related to the physiological effects of the cool night\u0026ndash;hot day sequence, which is related to the experience of being better able to experience an uncomfortable day after a comfortable night\u0026rsquo;s sleep (Hounam \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1967\u003c/span\u003e). Our estimation of the thermal comfort components was based on the equation of Missenard (\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1933\u003c/span\u003e)( Cheng, et.al 2019), which appears in Eq.\u0026nbsp;(1):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCI\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cstrong\u003e=\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTn\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-0.4(\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eT\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-10)(1-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRn\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e/100) (1)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere \u003cem\u003eTn\u003c/em\u003e signifies mean monthly temperature (\u0026deg;C) and \u003cem\u003eRn\u003c/em\u003e is the mean monthly humidity (%).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe TCI is based on the notion of human comfort and consists of five subindexes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is weighted and computed as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTCI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4 CID\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;CIA\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;2 R\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;2 S\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;W (2)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnnotation:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTCI: Tourism Climate Index\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCID : Daytime Comfort Index, is estimated from Eq.\u0026nbsp;(1). consisting of maximum\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eair temperature (ᵒC) and the mean maximum relative humidity (%).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCIA : Daily Comfort Index, sub index, which represents average daily thermal comfort, is estimated by Eq.\u0026nbsp;(1), using mean daily temperature and humidity to include the effects of\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003every hot or cold nights (Perch-Nielsenet al. 2010).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR : Rainfall, precipitation (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eW : Wind, mean wind speed (m/s)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eS: mean stands for \u003cstrong\u003esunshine hours.(h/d)\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRating scales for sub-indexes of tourism climate index\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRates\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThermal comfort (\u0026deg;C)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrecipitation\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunshine\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eduration (h/d)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWind speed\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(m/s)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;27\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.0-14.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 hrs or more\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.5\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19\u0026ndash;20 or 27\u0026ndash;28\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15.0-29.9mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;9 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.89\u0026ndash;1.6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;19 or 28\u0026ndash;29\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e30.0-44.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;8 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.7\u0026ndash;2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.5\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17\u0026ndash;18 or 29\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e45.0-59.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;7 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.6\u0026ndash;3.4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;17 or 30\u0026ndash;31\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60.0-74.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.54\u0026ndash;5.5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.5\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10\u0026ndash;15 or 31\u0026ndash;32\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e75.0-89.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;5 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.6\u0026ndash;6.7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;10 or 32\u0026ndash;33\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e90.0-104.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;4 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.8-8.0\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.5\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;5 or 33\u0026ndash;34\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e105.0\u0026ndash;1 19.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.1\u0026ndash;10.7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-5 to 0 or 34\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e120.0-134.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 hrs \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2 hrs 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;10.8\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.5\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e35\u0026ndash;36\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e135.0-149.9 mm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 hr-1 hr 59 min\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-10 to -5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e150.0 mm or more\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003elessthan 1 hr\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotes\u003c/strong\u003e: The scale for thermal comfort applies for both the daytime comfort index (\u003cem\u003eCIA\u003c/em\u003e) and daily comfort index (\u003cem\u003eCID\u003c/em\u003e) sub-indexes. Wind speed rating scales were converted according to 1km/h\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.28m/\u003cem\u003es\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"char\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRating categories of the Tourism Climatic Index.\u003c/strong\u003e (Mieczkowski \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e; Mihăilă and Bistricean \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTCI Scores\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRating\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription of the Impact on Tourist Activities\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100\u0026ndash;90\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e89.9\u0026ndash;80\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e79.9\u0026ndash;70\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery Good\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e69.9\u0026ndash;60\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59.9\u0026ndash;50\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcceptable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e49.9\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarginal\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e39.9\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfavorable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e29.9\u0026ndash;20\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery Unfavorable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19.9\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtremely Unfavorable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImpossible\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe climate comfort degree of tourist destinations in Hail region can be analyzed by looking at the results of TCI value calculations in the area of study using the climatic elements above. The monthly allocation TCI value charts are used to describe and contrast TCI values in the area of hail. The relation between climate comfort measure and number of visits to tourist destination. Can be analyzed by looking at the correlation test results between the number of visits and TCI values.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData processing to see whether there is a correlation between the TCI value and the number of visitors is done by conducting a Spearman Rank correlation test.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.2.2 Climate data\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our study assessing Hail's climate suitability for health tourism using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI), we employed a comprehensive methodology. We sourced monthly climate data\u0026mdash;including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation\u0026mdash;from the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), the official authority for meteorological data in Saudi Arabia. Focusing on the period from 2018 to 2022, we ensured a thorough representation of long-term climate patterns in the Hail region. We calculated monthly averages for each climatic parameter to align with TCI requirements and conducted quality assurance checks to identify any anomalies, finding none. Applying Mieczkowski's original TCI formula, which utilizes monthly climate data to evaluate a region's suitability for tourism, we analyzed the results to identify optimal seasons offering favorable climatic conditions for health tourism in Hail. We also compared our findings with established climatic comfort standards to assess Hail's alignment with health tourism requirements. This methodology enabled us to provide an accurate evaluation of Hail's climate suitability for health tourism, offering valuable insights for the development of this sector in the region.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.2.3 Tourism Statistics\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe used tourism statistics to compare against our TCI results. We retrieved monthly data of tourist visitation to the Hail Region from the ministry of tourism Saudi Arabia \u0026rsquo; open database, available online: .\u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://mt.gov.sa/tic/publications\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e, accessed on 12 November 2024. In particular, we used the monthly means of the number of inbound tourists from foreign countries. Data availability limited our study to the period 2023.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeasonal Aggregation: Tourist numbers were aggregated by season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn) to analyze seasonal preferences among tourists.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eANOVA (Analysis of Variance): An ANOVA test was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences in the mean number of tourists and TCI values across seasons.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePearson\u0026rsquo;s correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the strength and direction of the linear relationship between TCI values and tourism visits. This coefficient ranges from \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1 (perfect negative correlation) to +\u0026thinsp;1 (perfect positive correlation).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.2.4. Mapping TCI Scores with GIS\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeographic Mapping: Monthly TCI scores were inputted into GIS software to create seasonal and monthly maps showing TCI distribution across the study area.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisualization and Analysis: The GIS maps visually represented TCI variation, enabling spatial analysis of optimal and less favorable tourism seasons based on climate.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis approach allows for a precise evaluation of seasonal climate comfort, leveraging Global Weather data to make informed recommendations for sustainable and climate-aligned tourism strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe tourism climate index scores for Hail reveal a generally favorable environment for visitors throughout most of the year, with peak scores recorded from May to September. Particularly, the R-P score consistently reaches a high of 5, indicating excellent conditions for tourism, while the CIA score drops to its lowest of 2.5 in January and February. Other metrics like CID and S also show favorable conditions, maintaining scores of 4 or higher for most months. This suggests that while Hail offers attractive climatic conditions for tourism during the warmer months, winter poses challenges for potential visitors. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e4.1 TCI index per month in Hail Region.\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eresult of TCI index per month in Hail Region average (2018\u0026ndash;2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMonth\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTCI Value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eClassification\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJanuary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery Good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFebruary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery Good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarch\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eApril\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMay\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJune\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJuly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAugust\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeptember\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOctober\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNovember\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDecember\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery Good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe figure .7 illustrates the \u003cstrong\u003eTourism Climate Index (TCI)\u003c/strong\u003e values for each month in Hail, providing an overview of the climate suitability for tourism throughout the year. The TCI values range from \u003cstrong\u003e72\u003c/strong\u003e in January and December, which are classified as \u0026quot;Very Good,\u0026quot; to \u003cstrong\u003e97\u003c/strong\u003e in November, representing \u0026quot;Ideal\u0026quot; conditions. The winter months, \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eDecember\u003c/strong\u003e, offer slightly less favorable conditions, but are still within the \u0026quot;Very Good\u0026quot; range.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAs the year progresses, \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary\u003c/strong\u003e sees an increase in TCI to \u003cstrong\u003e78\u003c/strong\u003e, still classified as \u0026quot;Very Good.\u0026quot; \u003cstrong\u003eMarch\u003c/strong\u003e, with a TCI of \u003cstrong\u003e88\u003c/strong\u003e, marks the start of the \u0026quot;Excellent\u0026quot; conditions, which continue through \u003cstrong\u003eApril\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e93\u003c/strong\u003e) and \u003cstrong\u003eMay\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e96\u003c/strong\u003e), both considered \u0026quot;Ideal\u0026quot; for tourism.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe summer months, \u003cstrong\u003eJune\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e93\u003c/strong\u003e), \u003cstrong\u003eJuly\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e85\u003c/strong\u003e), and \u003cstrong\u003eAugust\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e89\u003c/strong\u003e), show strong tourism potential, with \u003cstrong\u003eJuly\u003c/strong\u003e having slightly lower but still \u0026quot;Excellent\u0026quot; conditions. Finally, the \u003cstrong\u003efall months\u003c/strong\u003e, especially \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e93\u003c/strong\u003e), \u003cstrong\u003eOctober\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e95\u003c/strong\u003e), and \u003cstrong\u003eNovember\u003c/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e97\u003c/strong\u003e), exhibit the highest TCI values, indicating optimal weather for tourism activities.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, \u003cstrong\u003espring\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efall\u003c/strong\u003e emerge as the best seasons for tourism in Hail, while \u003cstrong\u003ewinter\u003c/strong\u003e offers slightly less favorable, yet still good, conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cem\u003eFig.\u0026nbsp;8\u003c/em\u003eshows the results of TCI index per month in Hail Region (2018\u0026ndash;2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Conditions (90\u0026ndash;100)\u003c/strong\u003e: April, May, June, September, October, November. These months offer \u003cstrong\u003eperfect\u003c/strong\u003e climatic conditions for tourism, making them the most suitable times for tourists to visit. During these months, tourists will likely experience ideal weather with minimal discomfort, maximizing their experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent Conditions (80\u0026ndash;89)\u003c/strong\u003e: March, July, August. These months also provide \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent\u003c/strong\u003e conditions, just slightly below the ideal range. Tourism during these months would still be highly favorable, with great weather conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery Good Conditions (70\u0026ndash;79)\u003c/strong\u003e: January, February, December. These months are classified as \u003cstrong\u003every good\u003c/strong\u003e, meaning conditions are generally favorable for tourism, but they may not be as ideal as other months. Slight discomfort due to weather factors might be present, but tourism is still enjoyable.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe months from \u003cstrong\u003eApril to November\u003c/strong\u003e are the best times for tourism in the location, with many months classified as \u003cstrong\u003eIdeal\u003c/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eExcellent\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanuary, February, and December\u003c/strong\u003e are still good times to visit, but they may involve some minor climatic challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThere are \u003cstrong\u003eno months\u003c/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003emarginal or unfavorable conditions\u003c/strong\u003e, indicating that this location maintains generally good climate conditions for tourism throughout the year.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis analysis highlights the best months for tourism based on the \u003cstrong\u003eTCI\u003c/strong\u003e and its classification categories.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e4.2 TCI Value and Tourism Visit in Hail Region.\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe figure shows the number of tourists in hail region 2023,the highest month in may 51.614 tourist and lowest month in November 19.992 tourist.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(5) Tourist Distribution and TCI Scores by Month\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tabb\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMonth\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeason\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNumber of tourists\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTCI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e% of tourists\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRank\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJan\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28913\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.1%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFeb\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27920\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.8%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMar\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpring\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e51614\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.4%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eApr\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpring\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29591\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.3%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMay\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpring\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e49748\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13.9%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJun\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20201\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.6%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJul\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24251\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.8%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAug\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26448\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.4%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAutumn\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29867\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.3%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOct\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAutumn\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25985\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.3%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNov\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAutumn\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19992\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.6%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDec\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23290\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.5%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e357820\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe table\u003cstrong\u003e(5)\u003c/strong\u003e presents a month-wise distribution of tourists along with the corresponding Tourism Climate Index (TCI), percentage of tourists, and ranking of tourist flow.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTourist Flow Trends\u003c/strong\u003e: March shows the highest tourist influx with 51,614 visitors, which is 14.4% of the total tourists, and has a TCI of 88, indicating favorable climate conditions. The spring season, in general, experiences the highest number of tourists, specifically in March, April, and May.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Climate Conditions\u003c/strong\u003e: The TCI values vary throughout the year, reflecting how the climate affects tourism. The spring months have the highest TCI values, such as 96 in May, indicating nearly ideal conditions. In contrast, the winter months, such as January and December, show lower TCI values (72), leading to fewer tourists during these months.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRankings\u003c/strong\u003e: March, May, and September are ranked highest in terms of tourists due to their optimal climatic conditions. Conversely, November and December rank lower, with the least tourist activity.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(6) Seasonal Breakdown of Tourists.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tabc\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeason\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo. of tourists\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e% of tourists\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAutumn\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75844\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.2%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpring\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e130953\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.6%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70900\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.8%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80123\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.4%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e357820\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100.0%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis table aggregates the data on a seasonal basis:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Preference\u003c/strong\u003e: Spring sees the largest number of tourists, accounting for 36.6% of the total, followed by winter (22.4%), autumn (21.2%), and summer (19.8%).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Impact\u003c/strong\u003e: The higher percentage of tourists in spring corresponds to the ideal TCI values during this period, underscoring the strong relationship between favorable climate and tourist attraction.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe largest number of tourists (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e) in the spring season reached 130953, representing a percentage of 36.6% of total tourists in year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e4.3 Significant Differences of TCI Value and Tourism Visits\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(7) Comparison between seasons in the average number of tourists and TCI.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tabd\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeason\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAverage No. of tourists\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAverage TCI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eClassification\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAutumn\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25281\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpring\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43651\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIdeal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23633\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcellent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26708\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVery Good\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eF test\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e21.855\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.388\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.000\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.025\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignificant\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignificant\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter\u003c/strong\u003e: On average, there were 26,708 tourists with a TCI of 74 .\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring\u003c/strong\u003e: The number of tourists significantly increased to 43,651, with a higher TCI of 92, indicating more favorable conditions for tourism.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummer\u003c/strong\u003e: Tourist numbers dropped to 23,633, but the TCI remained high at 89.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn\u003c/strong\u003e: There were 25,281 tourists, and the TCI was the highest at 95, suggesting that the autumn season offers the best conditions for tourism.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Table\u0026nbsp;7 shows Comparison between seasons in the average number of tourists and TCI.\u0026amp; Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e shows the TCI value \u003cem\u003eby season in Hail Region based on seasonal mean values in 2018\u0026ndash;2022.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean Tourist Numbers by Season\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe average number of tourists peaks in spring (43,651) and is lowest in summer (23,633), reflecting the influence of TCI on seasonal tourist distribution.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTCI Classification\u003c/strong\u003e: Spring and autumn are classified as \u0026quot;Ideal\u0026quot; seasons, with TCIs of 92 and 95, respectively. Summer, despite being a less popular season for tourism, still has an \u0026quot;Excellent\u0026quot; TCI rating of 89, while winter is rated \u0026quot;Very Good\u0026quot; with a TCI of 74.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignificant Differences\u003c/strong\u003e: The F-test results indicate a statistically significant difference between seasons in both the mean number of tourists (p-value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000) and the mean TCI (p-value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.025). This highlights that tourist flow is strongly influenced by seasonal climate variations, which is quantitatively supported by the significant p-values.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe analysis confirms the critical role climate plays in influencing tourism in the region. The spring season stands out as the most attractive for tourists due to its optimal climate conditions, as reflected by high TCI values and tourist numbers. In contrast, winter, with lower TCI values, attracts fewer tourists. The statistical tests provide evidence of significant differences in both the number of tourists and TCI scores across seasons, reinforcing the direct relationship between climate and tourist activity,\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWe note that there is a significant difference between seasons in the mean of number of tourists (p-value is 0.000 less than 0.05), also there is a significant difference between seasons in the mean of TCI (p-value is 0.025 less than 0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCorrelation of TCI Value and Tourism Visits\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(8) Correlation between number of tourists and TCI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tabe\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth colspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCorrelations\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo. of tourists\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTCI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo. of tourists\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePearson Correlation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSig. (2-tailed)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.656\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTCI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePearson Correlation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSig. (2-tailed)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.656\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe results of the correlation test between the number of visits and TCI values were conducted to\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003edetermine whether there was a correlation between the level of comfort of the tourist destination area and the number of visitors who came to the tourist attraction. The \u003cstrong\u003ePearson correlation coefficient\u003c/strong\u003e is 0.144, indicating a weak, positive relationship between the number of tourists and TCI. The \u003cstrong\u003eP-value\u003c/strong\u003e is 0.656, meaning there is no statistically significant correlation between the number of tourists and TCI (since the P-value is greater than 0.05). Recent studies confirm that the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) alone is not a sufficient predictor of tourism flows, as other environmental and socio-economic factors play a significant role. Jiaming Liu et al.2022 developed the Coastal Tourism Climate Index (CTCI), highlighting the importance of environmental aspects like air quality alongside climate conditions for Chinese coastal tourism.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe findings from this study reveal a clear correlation between seasonal climate suitability, as measured by the Tourism Climate Index (TCI), and tourist distribution in Hail. The spring and autumn seasons consistently exhibit the highest TCI scores, which are classified as \"Ideal.\" These periods coincide with an influx of tourists, particularly in the months of March and May. These trends underscore the significant role that climate plays in shaping health tourism patterns. Optimal weather conditions, characterized by moderate temperatures and low humidity, contribute directly to visitor comfort and satisfaction, which are key factors in health-focused tourism.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eTourists seeking therapeutic or wellness benefits often prioritize comfort, and an \"Ideal\" climate serves as an essential component in enhancing the overall travel experience. The findings support the notion that favorable weather is not just a luxury but a necessity in health tourism, where outdoor activities, relaxation, and natural healing are common experiences.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eConversely, the winter months, which exhibit lower TCI values and less favorable climatic conditions, see a noticeable decline in tourist activity. This suggests that harsher weather conditions\u0026mdash;such as colder temperatures and less sunshine\u0026mdash;discourage visits to the region, especially for those seeking outdoor or wellness-based tourism experiences. These results further highlight the significance of climate in determining not just when, but also where, tourists are most likely to visit.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eHowever, while climate plays a critical role, the correlation analysis indicates that it is not the sole factor influencing tourist flow. Other socio-economic and environmental factors, such as local infrastructure, economic stability, and cultural attractions, also contribute to determining the appeal of Hail as a health tourism destination. For instance, the availability of medical facilities, wellness resorts, and wellness-related services may enhance the attractiveness of a destination during less favorable seasons. Similarly, socio-economic factors, including the affordability of travel and accommodation, can affect travel decisions independent of climate conditions.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eAdditionally, environmental factors such as air quality, pollution levels, and the accessibility of natural landscapes may also influence tourist numbers. Although climate is an important variable, these other elements often work in tandem to shape the overall tourism experience. Future research should aim to explore the relative impact of these socio-economic and environmental factors alongside climate in order to build a more comprehensive understanding of tourist flow patterns.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe F-test results further substantiate the significance of these seasonal variations. The statistical analysis confirms that the differences in both TCI scores and tourist numbers across seasons are indeed significant, with p-values well below 0.05. This provides strong evidence that climate, as measured by TCI, is a primary determinant in shaping seasonal tourism patterns. The robust nature of these findings affirms the hypothesis that the seasonal climate suitability of a region is a central factor in driving tourism activity, especially for health-focused tourists who place high importance on environmental comfort.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eIn conclusion, while the climate remains a dominant factor, this study emphasizes the need to consider a holistic approach to understanding tourism trends. Future studies could explore how climate preferences align with other tourist expectations, such as cultural engagement, wellness offerings, and the perceived benefits of local resources, thus offering more nuanced insights into the dynamics of health tourism in Hail.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe study concludes that the climate in Hail is highly conducive to health tourism, with ideal conditions predominantly in spring and autumn. Utilizing TCI as a tool for climate suitability highlights the best seasons for maximizing tourist comfort and satisfaction. For Hail to fully leverage its potential as a health tourism destination, development efforts should focus on promoting these peak seasons and integrating climate therapy practices. The findings also suggest that while TCI is a valuable predictor of seasonal tourist trends, comprehensive tourism planning should consider additional factors, such as air quality and accessibility, to provide a holistic approach to sustainable tourism development in the region.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo translate these findings into actionable steps, the following practical recommendations are proposed to enhance tourism development in Hail while ensuring sustainability and economic growth:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in climate-adaptive infrastructure such as shaded walkways, cooling stations, and eco-friendly accommodations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDevelop smart tourism facilities using digital platforms to provide real-time climate data to visitors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Seasonal Tourism Planning\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePromote tourism activities during the most favorable climatic months to maximize visitor comfort and satisfaction.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDevelop diversified tourism packages that align with seasonal variations, such as adventure tourism in cooler months and indoor cultural experiences in hotter periods.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Sustainability and Environmental Management\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImplement green building standards in tourism facilities to reduce environmental impact.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEncourage the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, in hotels and tourism centers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduce water conservation initiatives to address the challenges of arid climate conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Economic and Community Engagement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoster local entrepreneurship by supporting small businesses that offer traditional crafts, local cuisine, and guided tours.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDevelop training programs for local communities to enhance their participation in the tourism industry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablish incentives for private sector investment in sustainable tourism projects.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Policy and Governance\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDevelop policies that integrate climate resilience into tourism planning.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrengthen collaboration between tourism authorities, environmental agencies, and academic institutions to enhance research and policy formulation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablish monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the long-term impact of climate conditions on tourism activities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"7. Implications for Research, Practice, and Society","content":" \u003cp\u003eThis research has significant implications for multiple domains, including academia, policy, and industry. In terms of \u003cb\u003eresearch\u003c/b\u003e, the study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on climate-based tourism assessments, particularly in the Middle East. Future studies can build upon these findings by exploring additional climatic factors or integrating economic variables into tourism climate models.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor \u003cb\u003epractice\u003c/b\u003e, the findings provide tourism stakeholders, business investors, and policymakers with a structured approach to optimizing tourism development based on climate conditions. By aligning tourism offerings with favorable climatic seasons, the region can enhance visitor experiences and increase economic returns. Additionally, climate-informed tourism strategies can help mitigate the adverse effects of extreme seasonal variations on tourism demand.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn a \u003cb\u003esocietal level\u003c/b\u003e, the research underscores the potential of tourism as a driver of economic and cultural progress in Hail. By leveraging its climate for tourism, the region can create job opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance community engagement in the tourism sector. Furthermore, climate therapy-based tourism initiatives can provide health benefits, attracting visitors seeking wellness and relaxation in natural environments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy implementing the proposed recommendations and considering the broader implications, Hail can position itself as a sustainable and competitive tourism destination, benefiting both its economy and society.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This research has been funded by Scientific Research Deanship at University of Ha\u0026rsquo;il \u0026ndash; Saudi Arabia through project number [grant number RCP-24 140]. So, we would like to express my profound gratitude to the whole team of the Deanship of Scientific Research for their outstanding work and unwavering support.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthor Contributions StatementThe authors confirm their contributions to this manuscript as follows:Ehab Rabee Mohammed Ali: Conceptualization, methodology, data collection, formal analysis, writing\u0026mdash;original draft, and project supervision.Yassir Mohammed Osman Hammad: Literature review, data interpretation, statistical analysis, and manuscript editing.El-Tag El-Nour A. Ibrahim: Writing\u0026mdash;review and editing, language proofreading, and theoretical framework development.Saad Aljurayyad: Data curation, visualization, GIS mapping, and discussion of results.All authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgement\u0026ldquo;This research has been funded by Scientific Research Deanship at University of Ha\u0026rsquo;il \u0026ndash; Saudi Arabia through project number [grant number RCP-24 140]. So , we would like to express my profound gratitude to the whole team of the Deanship of Scientific Research for their outstanding work and unwavering support.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAl Salah S (2023) A GIS-MCDA-Based Analysis for Spatial Ecotourism Suitability Assessment in Saudi Arabia\u0026rsquo;s Hail Province. 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Int J Biometeorol 61:2141\u0026ndash;2143\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Tourism, climate, index, Health, Development","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6252976/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6252976/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study examines the climatic suitability of the Hail region in Saudi Arabia for health tourism, using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) to evaluate seasonal comfort levels and their impact on tourist distribution. Health tourism, which often relies on favorable climatic conditions, can significantly benefit from Hail\u0026rsquo;s unique climate, characterized by moderate temperatures, abundant sunshine, and low humidity in spring and autumn. Monthly TCI scores were calculated and correlated with tourist data to determine optimal visitation periods. Results indicate that spring and autumn achieve \"Ideal\" TCI ratings, attracting the highest tourist volumes, while winter scores lower, reflecting a decrease in tourist activity. Statistical analyses, including F-tests, confirm significant seasonal differences in both TCI and tourist numbers (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), underscoring the role of climate as a driving factor in tourism trends. The findings suggest that Hail holds substantial potential as a health tourism destination, especially for GCC countries, by capitalizing on favorable climatic seasons and developing climate therapy-focused resorts. Future recommendations include expanding health tourism facilities and aligning marketing strategies with seasonal climate advantages to promote sustainable tourism growth in the region.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Climatic Elements as Development Factors of Health Tourism in Hail Region: using the Tourism Climate Index (TCI)","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-04-22 16:42:08","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6252976/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a0bbf46c-2432-45db-8527-912c0fd03f1e","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 22nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":47210279,"name":"Social science/Development studies"},{"id":47210280,"name":"Social science/Geography"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-06-20T15:53:42+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-04-22 16:42:08","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6252976","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6252976","identity":"rs-6252976","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}