On-site behavior as a measure of tourist sensitivity to and satisfaction with weather and climate conditions

Weather is widely considered to influence human behavior, but given the pervasiveness of this belief, research on the topic is surprisingly limited. To help fill the gap, this study examines links between biometeorological variables and the behavior of beach recreationists along with their rating of overall weather conditions. In order to identify and describe significance of on-site atmospheric conditions, two separate forms of response are used. The first is sensory perception of the immediate atmospheric surrounds expressed verbally, which was the subject of earlier work. The work here examines on-site actions of individuals experiencing conditions first hand. The actions are a manifestation of how individuals react, adapt and adjust, which can be interpreted objectively. Compared to subjective verbal response (i.e. questionnaire) data, behavioral reactions to weather and climate are separate and independent indicators of on-site experience and preferences. It is field observation using people engaged in ‘real' tasks and interacting with ‘real' environments, rather than contrived experiments.

The study site is King's beach on the coast of Queensland, Australia. On-site observations of atmospheric variables and beach user behavior are made for the daylight hours of 45 days spread over a 12 month period. The results of the study show that climate conditions within the broad zone of acceptability are those that the beach user can readily cope with or effectively modify. Certain adjustments, such as the use of shading devices, clothing and windbreaks, substantially affect the immediate thermal environment and thus the thermophysiological state of the individual. Optimal thermal conditions appear to be those requiring no specific adjustment or behavioral fine-tuning. In general terms, attendance levels reflect the outer limits of acceptability of the meteorological environment, while duration of visit enables calibration of levels of approval in so far as it reflects ratings of on-site conditions within the broad zone of tolerance.

A large amount of recreation research has been concerned with assessing recreation 'demand', mainly used to estimate the attractiveness of environmental attributes. The most commonly used demand indicator is attendance (visitation) data. The results here suggest attendance is likely a poor measure of demand. Allocation of leisure time, or time spent on site per visit (duration of visit), is a more accurate measure of user response and preference. Similar sensitivity associations are reflected in behavioral responses.

In a broad theoretical sense, the results of this research add to an understanding of the relationship between weather and human behaviour. The findings highlight the close relationship between weather and tourism, in particular those aspects that relate to tourist sensitivity to weather. Weather preferences are identified and light is thrown on the merits of using attendance figures as indicators of demand. They provide objective response criteria to calibrate, supplement and validate questionnaire (descriptive) response scales related to a wide range of atmospheric phenomena. Also, behavioural data may be preferred over subjective assessments of user satisfaction and preferences. Collectively, this information is potentially useful in effective tourism management and planning. Information proved by studies such as this could be used for forecasting the level of beach-use during the year to prepare for the provision of tourist resources and facilities, water safety services and site conservation. The results imply that tourism planning should incorporate more than simple, general descriptions of climate and weather. The same applies in cases of communicating climate information and descriptions used in weather forecasts. Various authorities or agencies may have to improve their networks of meteorological observatories and data gathered and provide better access to the information. The focus should be on the climate at a particular place or space, functionality of the destination, the level of satisfaction to be achieved, and the influence on future visits.