A method proposal based on critical green infrastructure and bioclimatic comfort classification for tourism: The case of TR-22 (Balıkesir -Çanakkale) south Marmara Region

The interaction between climate change, urbanization and tourism creates increasing pressure on the natural and cultural resource values of tourism destinations. This situation negatively affects both the sustainability of tourism activities and the attractiveness of destinations. Increasing temperatures, extreme weather events and ecosystem degradation necessitate the provision of bioclimatic comfort, especially in destinations based on outdoor activities. In this context, spatial planning solutions that support visitor experience and reduce climatic risks need to be developed. In this context, green infrastructure, which increases bioclimatic comfort, supports the sustainable use of natural resources and stands out with its multifunctional structure, has been evaluated as a strategic planning tool in tourism planning. TR22 (Çanakkale and Balıkesir provinces) South Marmara Region, which was selected as the sample area in the study, has been evaluated as a critical region due to both its climatic vulnerability and tourism potential. In this context, an original planning approach has been developed in which green infrastructure and bioclimatic comfort are addressed within spatial integrity. Methodologically, the study is based on two basic analysis axes. In the first stage, the Geographic Information System (GIS) based Critical Area Determination Model (CADM) was used, which integrated four main spatial models (spatial form, green cover, gray cover and land use change) in order to ensure the strategic placement of green infrastructure. In this model, priority intervention areas in terms of green infrastructure were determined using the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Urban Density Index (UDI) and current Land Use/Land Cover data. Thus, green infrastructure areas were evaluated in terms of tourism planning within the framework of environmental and socio-cultural dimensions. In the second stage, bioclimatic comfort levels were evaluated with the HCI-Urban (Holiday Climate Index) method in order to reveal the spatial distribution of basic climatic parameters (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.) affecting tourism preferences and seasons. The analyses were carried out both over 12-month evaluations and seasonal periods. As a result of the analysis and evaluations, the bioclimatic comfort levels of the destinations during the periods when tourism activities are carried out have been spatially revealed. In the light of the findings, holistic suggestions that can be integrated into sub-scale implementation plans and upper-scale spatial strategies for tourism planning with the integration of bioclimatic comfort and green infrastructure have been developed.