Does climate change spell crisis or opportunity for the travel industry?

4Hoteliers: …As the world gets hotter there will be winners as well as losers in global tourism, varying according to geographic location, service type and target consumer market. For many organisations, tomorrow’s outcomes will depend on the decisions they take today. The full extent of climate change is still uncertain and will be affected by how quickly the world acts to reduce its carbon footprint. However, whatever future action is taken to minimise emissions, many changes appear to be already ‘locked in.’

…Global warming is expected to have most impact on the Northern Hemisphere, leading to more temperate climates in Canada, the UK, Scandinavia and Russia. These destinations could benefit from an increased appeal to travellers seeking to escape the sweltering temperatures forecast for parts of continental Europe and the United States.

…Mediterranean coastal tourism could be under serious threat. A combination of searing hot temperatures and lack of air conditioned infrastructure may deter summer sun-worshippers…Elsewhere, retreating shorelines and coastal flooding could lead to seaside property subsidence and erosion in tourist hot spots such as Venice, which already faces uncertainty about its future…

…Air travel faces mounting criticism. …If public opinion grows more critical of air travel the likely outcome is that more travellers will choose to fly shorter distances, primarily within the UK, then to continental Europe rather than further afield…

…The advance of climate change will impact the personal lives and business interests of millions across the globe, travellers and tourism operators alike. The future is uncertain but the tourism industry needs to act now if it is to minimise risk and maximise opportunity in the years ahead.