Thermal Comfort and Tourism in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina): A Human Bioclimatic Information Sheet for Visitors and Planners

In the context of growing climate change and more frequent heat extremes, tourism in Mediterranean cities like Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is becoming increasingly vulnerable. This study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the human bioclimatic conditions in Mostar using the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) index, the modified PET (mPET), and the Climate-Tourism Information Scheme (CTIS), based on hourly meteorological data for the period 2000–2020. By applying the RayMan model, relevant bioclimatic parameters were calculated for three key times of day (07:00, 14:00, and 21:00 CET), and the results were analyzed in terms of seasonal and daily patterns of thermal stress. The most intense thermal stress was observed during summer afternoon hours, while the transitional seasons (spring and autumn) offer significantly more favorable conditions for tourist activities. A major contribution of this study is the creation of the first integrated bioclimatic information sheet for Mostar, which brings together PET, mPET, and CTIS outputs in accessible format tailored to local tourism needs. It serves as a scientifically based and practical tool for informing visitors and improving the planning of tourism activities in accordance with local climatic characteristics. Due to its visual clarity and ease of interpretation, the information sheet has strong potential for strategic adaptation in climate-sensitive tourism management. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.