Optimization and extensions of a fuzzy multicriteria decision making method and applications to selection of touristic destinations

The aim of the present paper is to optimize and extend the recent method in Chu and Lin (2009). We simplify the calculus taking into account the expected value of a fuzzy number can be expressed by using its α-cut sets. A collateral benefit is that the discussed method becomes applicable in any structure of data as triangular fuzzy numbers. Then, to cover a wider range of data – performances of alternatives versus criteria and importance weights of criteria – we extend the optimized method to trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and to the cases of importance weights of criteria/ratings of alternatives expressed by real numbers and ratings of alternatives/importance weights of criteria expressed by fuzzy numbers. Each theoretical development is illustrated by examples. The importance of the method to the selection of the best touristic destinations is discussed too.