The impact of climatic on 3S tourism in Samsun, Turkey: The summer 2008 experience

Abstract

The objective of this study is to put forth the relationship between 3S (sand-sea-sun) tourism in Samsun and climate conditions. That is why observations were made during the summer of 2008 (July, august) at the beaches selected by sampling method. The meteorological data about the time of day during which observations were made were taken from the internet site of the general directorate of meteorology. Also biometeorological thermal comfort indexes of Samsun were created. According to the data obtained, the months of July and august form the period during which tourism and recreational activities are at the highest level in the beaches of Samsun. During the sea season (July and august) the total number of days during which the wind speed was greater than or equal to 21.6 km/h limiting the usage of the beach and the sea was 17; the total number of days during which the sky was “mostly cloudy” was 20 (July 10 days, august 10 days). When all the other variables are considered (rain, condition of the sea...) the foremost ones being wind and cloud cover, it was determined that the total duration of 3S tourism in the area studied was intermittently 35 ±5 days. According to the thermal comfort index 94% of July and august are composed of “hot” days. According to humidity index 29 % of July and 13 % of august are composed of mild-calm days. As a result the most important natural factors negatively affecting 3S tourism in Samsun are Samsun’s general location, its position in the general atmospheric circulation system and as a result of these the climate conditions and daily weather conditions. In this sense, it will be suitable that in order for Samsun to obtain a “tourism city” identity, it should be evaluated with the other alternative tourism appeals of 3S tourism.