Application of physiological equivalent temperature index for determination of suitable regions for agritourism in Kerman province

Agritourism is one of the most important kinds of tourism in outdoors, which is mainly affected by climatic comfort indices. In this study, the climatic and geographical features of Kerman province from Agritourism point of view have been assessed. Existing record of monthly climatic data of 10 synoptic stations across the province were obtained by which, the climate comfort index of Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was calculated using RayMan package. To investigate the correlation between monthly values of the index and station's elevation, a simple gradient equation was applied. Then, the maps of index changes at different elevations were worked using Arc GIS ver 10. The results indicated that the index decreases with height for entire year. Generated zoning maps showed that in January condition is favorable only in Jiroft. In month of February Jiroft and Shahdad stations, and in March Kahnooj and Bam regions are suitable for Agritourism purposes. Also in April, in Sirjan and Anar, in May, Baft, Anar, Kerman and Shahr-e Babak have found to be proper choices. During June, July and August only Lalehzar area, and in September Lalehzar, Kerman and Baft can be recommended for related activities. In general, months of January, June, July and august have got the least flexibility for any Agritoursim planning due to unfavorable weather conditions.