For many, hot weather is the reason for a vacation, but recent record-high global temperatures have cut vacations short, raising concerns about the long-term effects of the climate crisis on tourism and economies that rely on it.
In Greece, where travel and tourism contribute 15% of GDP, over 2,000 holidaymakers were evacuated from the island of Rhodes due to wildfires. Additionally, Athens closed its iconic Acropolis for the first time after temperatures soared to 45°C. “The climate crisis is already here,” stated Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. “It will manifest itself everywhere in the Mediterranean with greater disasters.”
In Italy, a heatwave has led to early returns of visitors in Rome and a surge in medical emergencies. The soaring temperatures have not only disrupted vacations but also affected air travel. In Las Vegas, where temperatures reached 46°C, airlines had to reduce passenger loads, remove baggage, and limit fuel to ensure safe flights, as higher temperatures make it harder for aircraft to take off.
The Climate Crisis and Its Role in Tourism
The climate crisis has been a major factor in the intense heatwaves, particularly in the northern hemisphere, with further increases in temperature predicted unless urgent action is taken to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The tourism sector, which generates about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is a significant contributor to the climate crisis. Aviation alone, a key part of tourism, is responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions. Moreover, emissions from tourism are expected to rise by 25% between 2016 and 2030, according to the UN World Tourism Organization.
On the flip side, tourism is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially in regions heavily dependent on it. The Caribbean, which welcomed over 28 million visitors in 2022, is particularly susceptible. Tourism contributes up to 90% of GDP in places like Aruba and the British Virgin Islands. However, rising sea levels – at nearly 10% faster than the global average – threaten coastal resorts and their economic viability.
Biodiversity and Environmental Challenges
In addition to rising temperatures, the Caribbean faces coral bleaching and severe droughts that affect its tourism appeal. Southeast Asia’s popular coastal destinations, such as Thailand’s Maya Bay and the Philippines’ Boracay Island, are suffering from overtourism and environmental degradation. These challenges underscore the importance of preserving landscapes and biodiversity for tourism to thrive.
African safaris, another major tourism draw, are also at risk due to the anticipated loss of over half of the continent’s bird and mammal species by 2100. In response, countries like the Seychelles are enacting constitutional measures to safeguard their natural resources.
Shifting Tourism Patterns
The rising heat is changing when and where people travel. More tourists are opting for spring and autumn getaways or cooler destinations. The European Travel Commission reports a 10% drop in Mediterranean bookings for the latter half of 2023, with destinations like the Czech Republic and Denmark seeing increased interest.
Moreover, the Mediterranean’s beaches are shrinking due to large-scale land loss, with some areas losing capacity for sunbeds and beach huts. Coastal resorts, which account for a significant portion of European and U.S. tourism, may face growing challenges from both rising temperatures and sea levels.
The Impact on Winter Tourism
Rising temperatures are also affecting colder climates. Ski resorts in the Alps have experienced an 8.4% reduction in seasonal snow cover over the last five decades. In Canada, Whistler’s ski resort has shifted its focus to snow-free activities, now earning more during the summer season.
However, not all regions can adapt so easily. Coastal areas, particularly those reliant on tourism, may need urgent reevaluation of how they operate as the ecological threats they face intensify.
The Future of Tourism: Sustainability and Adaptation
To protect tourism and the economies it supports, the sector must adapt. Sustainable tourism practices, such as limiting visitor numbers, banning polluting transportation, and staying in eco-friendly accommodations, are crucial steps. The “slow travel” movement, which encourages travelers to stay in one location and immerse themselves in local culture, is gaining traction as a way to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Sustainable Tourism is actively working to guide the industry toward net-zero, nature-positive tourism that supports both local communities and the environment. Long-term planning and diversification of tourism activities are essential to ensure resilience against future environmental and economic disruptions.
As temperatures rise and the climate crisis intensifies, the tourism industry must urgently adapt to maintain its sustainability and preserve the planet’s natural wonders for future generations.
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