WEATHER-DRIVEN FLUCTUATIONS IN DAILY BEACH TOURISM: INSIGHTS FROM COASTAL DESTINATION DYNAMICS IN SPAIN

Abstract

Tourism dynamics are profoundly influenced by weather conditions, particularly in regions celebrated for their climatic appeal. The Rías Baixas, a renowned coastal destination in northwest Spain, presents an exemplary case for examining this interplay. This study aims to enhance comprehension of how tourists alter their daily activities in response to weather changes, providing valuable insights for improved planning and management in the tourism sector. Faced with the methodological challenge of accurately measuring daily tourist flows, especially in areas such as beaches without entry registers, this study innovatively uses daily vehicle traffic intensity data in access areas to quantify tourist behavior patterns. Positive correlations are observed between the arrival of vehicles and sunshine. For tourism businesses, short-term weather forecast information, as well as a better understanding of travelers’ behavior, is crucial for decision making and operational planning.

Keywords

• coastal tourism destination
• tourism behavior
• tourism planning
• meteorology
• daily vehicle traffic