Climate change threatens global tourism, risking ecosystems and infrastructure

Climate change is posing significant challenges to world-renowned tourism destinations, threatening their ecosystems and infrastructure as the industry seeks sustainable solutions

Climate change and global warming are posing significant challenges to world-renowned tourism destinations, threatening their ecosystems and infrastructure.

Due to the impact of climate change on the tourism sector, various challenges are emerging for globally renowned tourism regions.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2022 data, the tourism sector, valued at $7.7 trillion, contributes 7.6% to the global economy.

While still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry now faces additional challenges due to the adverse effects of climate change. The sector’s value before COVID-19 was $10 trillion, comprising approximately 10.4% of the global economy.

A report by Cambridge University research highlights the negative impact of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification on the infrastructure supporting maritime tourism.

Coral reef damage, rising temperatures, and wildfires further threaten tourist destinations.

A 2023 World Economic Forum study highlights the dangers of extreme heat for tourism, exemplified by wildfires in Greece, scorching temperatures in Italy, and travel disruptions in the U.S.

Changing tourist behavior

The aviation sector, crucial for tourism, also faced challenges due to extreme heat. Some U.S. aviation companies were forced to reduce passenger loads and even postpone flights when temperatures hit 46 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in some states.

Rising global temperatures are prompting a shift in tourist behavior. Research by the European Commission suggests a potential northward migration of tourist activities within Europe.

This could lead to a decrease in the number of tourists for southern destinations and an increase for those in the north.

Specific tourist destinations in danger

The Maldives, one of the most threatened tourist destinations due to climate change, faces the potential submergence of a large portion of its landmass due to rising sea levels.

The Maldives, reliant on tourism and vulnerable to rising sea levels, could see 77% of its land submerged by 2100, according to the country’s Tourism Ministry.

Similarly, the Caribbean, heavily dependent on tourism, is witnessing coral reef bleaching and rising sea levels.

In Europe, the Alps struggle with inadequate snowfall, affecting winter tourism. Venice faces climate-related challenges, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events, threatening its historical sites.

In South Asia, popular coastal regions are grappling with environmental degradation caused by over-tourism and pollution. Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have implemented measures to preserve their coastal ecosystems.

Africa is also at risk of significant biodiversity loss, which could impact safari tourism. According to World Bank data, the continent could lose 50% of its bird and mammal species and 20% to 30% of life in lakes by 2100.

Source: AA