It should at this point be noted that the TCI was intended as a
tool to aid in the identification of climatically optimal vacation
destinations, and the most desirable times at which to visit certain
destinations, rather than as a predictor of inbound travel. A high
score on the TCI does not necessarily translate into a high level of
visitation. Successful destinations must exhibit a range of qualities,
including adequate transportation links and infrastructure, appropriate numbers and kinds of accommodations, events and attractions, and a safe and pleasant environment, in addition to offering
an appealing climate. Similarly, a low score on the TCI does not
necessarily discourage visitation, most notably in the case of destinations offering exceptionally high-quality natural and/or cultural
tourism resources. The purpose of this study was to identify the
spatial distribution of conditions climatically attractive for general
tourism activity, rather than to predict changes in the number of
visitors to Australia as a whole or to individual destinations as a
result of climate change; the findings can nevertheless be used to
form the basis of a series of observations with regards to the climatic suitability of particular Australian regions and cities and
resulting implications for tourism planning, development and
management.