Tourexpi
Climate change and global warming are posing
significant challenges to world-renowned tourism destinations, threatening
their ecosystems and infrastructure.
Due to the impacts 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 study by the World Economic Forum (WEF)
emphasizes the negative impact of extreme heat on tourists. Examples like
wildfires in Greece, heat waves in Italy, and flight cancellations in the US
illustrate this point.
Changing tourist behavior
The aviation sector, crucial for tourism, also
faced challenges due to extreme heat. Some US aviation companies had to reduce
passenger loads and luggage or postpone flights during 46-degree Celsius
weather.
Tourist behavior is also changing due to
temperature rise. Research by the European Commission suggests that if global
warming continues, tourist activities in Europe might shift from the south to
the north.
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, faces potential submergence of 77% of its land 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, impacting 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.
Image
Credit: © AA
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