Climate change has become an increasingly critical issue, impacting various sectors globally, with tourism being one of the most affected. Southern Europe is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events fueled by climate change. Record-breaking heatwaves and severe droughts have led to devastating wildfires across the region, particularly in countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy. These disasters not only threaten local communities but also disrupt the vital tourism industry, which is a key economic driver for these nations.
Tourism as a key economic sector in Europe
Recent studies, including the 2020 Edition of International Tourism Highlights by UNWTO, describe tourism as one of Europe’s largest economic sectors, playing a pivotal role in generating growth, employment, and fostering economic and social integration across the EU.
According to the data from the report, in 2019 in the regions Asia and the Pacific the percentage of the international arrivals reached the 25%, with South Asia and South-East Asia showing robust results. While, Europe was the most visited region worldwide, hosting 51% of all international arrivals. However, the region's tourism landscape is undergoing significant changes due to the escalating impacts of climate change.
Shifting travel patterns due to climate change
According to the JRC Technical Report on the “Regional impact of climate change on European tourism demand”, it is highlighted a noticeable shift in travel patterns within Europe. As temperatures rise and extreme weather conditions become more frequent, tourists are increasingly reconsidering their travel choices.
The European Travel Commission (ETC) on the report with title “Summer 2024: More Europeans plan to travel, but taking fewer trips “, highlighted the fact that a substantial number of Europeans, particularly those over the age of 55, are now avoiding destinations prone to extreme heat. Instead, they are seeking out locations with more stable and temperate climates.
This shift in preferences underscores a growing concern for comfort and safety among travelers, directly influenced by the adverse effects of climate change.
Record-breaking heat in Southern Europe during summer 2023
Quite interesting is the fact that the summer of 2023 was marked as the hottest on record by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), something that highlights the severe impact of climate change on southern Europe. Regions like the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and the Balkans experienced...
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