Travel and tourism are among the most popular and rewarding activities for people around the world. They offer opportunities to explore new places, cultures, and experiences, as well as to relax, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves and others. However, travel and tourism also have significant impacts on the environment, especially in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, and biodiversity loss. Climate change is a global challenge that affects both the supply and demand of travel and tourism, as well as the quality and sustainability of the destinations we visit.

In this article, I examine how climate change is affecting travel and tourism, what are the implications for the industry and travelers, and what are some of the possible solutions and strategies to mitigate the negative effects and adapt to the changing conditions. I will also discuss some of the emerging trends and opportunities that could shape the future of travel and tourism in a more climate-resilient and responsible way.

How Climate Change Affects Travel and Tourism

Climate change is a complex phenomenon that involves changes in temperature, precipitation, sea level, weather patterns, and extreme events. These changes have direct and indirect effects on travel and tourism, such as the following:

Altering the attractiveness and availability of destinations

Some destinations may become more appealing or accessible due to warmer temperatures, longer seasons, or improved infrastructure. For example, some ski resorts may benefit from increased snowmaking capacity or diversification of activities. Other destinations may become less attractive or accessible due to heat stress, water scarcity, coastal erosion, or natural disasters. For example, some coral reefs are suffering from bleaching or acidification (e.g., Florida), reducing their appeal for snorkeling or diving.

Changing the preferences and behaviors of travelers

Some travelers may adjust their travel plans according to the changing climate conditions, such as choosing different destinations, modes of transport, timing, or duration of their trips. For example, some travelers may opt for domestic or regional travel instead of long-haul flights, or for off-peak periods instead of peak seasons. Other travelers may be more motivated or influenced by environmental awareness, ethical values, or social norms. For example, some travelers may seek more eco-friendly or low-carbon options, or participate in voluntourism or activism.

Impacting the operations and competitiveness of tourism businesses

Some tourism businesses may face increased costs or risks due to climate change impacts, such as higher energy bills, insurance premiums, or adaptation measures. For example, some airlines may have to reduce their payload or reroute their flights due to extreme weather or turbulence. Other tourism businesses may find new opportunities or advantages due to climate change impacts, such as lower taxes, subsidies, or innovation incentives. For example, some hotels may adopt renewable energy sources or water-saving technologies to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs.

Implications for the Travel and Tourism Industry

The travel and tourism industry is a major contributor to the global economy and society. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2019, travel and tourism accounted for 10.4% of global GDP ($8.9 trillion), 10.6% of global employment (334 million jobs), and 6.8% of global exports ($1.7 trillion). However, the industry is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in 2019, international aviation accounted for 2% of global CO2 emissions (918 million tonnes), while domestic aviation accounted for another 1% (467 million tonnes). According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in 2018, tourism accounted for 8% of global CO2 emissions (4.5 billion tonnes), including transport (54%), accommodation (21%), and activities (25%).

The travel and tourism industry is therefore facing a dual challenge: to reduce its own emissions and impacts while coping with the effects of climate change on its operations and markets. The industry has a responsibility and an opportunity to take action on both fronts: mitigation and adaptation.

Mitigation: refers to reducing greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing carbon sinks to limit the magnitude or rate of climate change. Mitigation actions include improving energy efficiency, switching to low-carbon fuels or technologies, investing in renewable energy sources or carbon offsets, implementing carbon pricing or taxation schemes, promoting behavioral change among consumers and employees.

Adaptation: refers to adjusting to actual or expected climate change impacts to moderate harm or exploit benefits. Adaptation actions include enhancing resilience and preparedness, diversifying products or markets, developing new skills or capacities, collaborating with stakeholders or partners, implementing best practices or standards.

Both mitigation and adaptation require innovation, investment, cooperation, and leadership from all actors involved in the travel and tourism industry: governments, businesses, organizations, communities, and travelers.

Emerging Trends and Opportunities for the Future of Travel and Tourism

Despite the challenges and uncertainties posed by climate change, travel and tourism also have the potential to be part of the solution and to create positive impacts for the environment and society. Some of the emerging trends and opportunities that could shape the future of travel and tourism in a more climate-resilient and responsible way are:

Low-carbon travel and tourism

This refers to reducing the carbon footprint of travel and tourism activities, products, and services, as well as enhancing the carbon sequestration potential of natural and cultural assets. Examples of low-carbon travel and tourism include electric or hybrid vehicles, biofuels or hydrogen, carbon-neutral or negative flights, green hotels or resorts, carbon offsetting apps or loyalty points, nature-based tourism or ecotourism.

Circular travel and tourism

This refers to applying the principles of circular economy to travel and tourism, such as minimizing waste and pollution, maximizing resource efficiency and value creation, and extending the lifespan and utility of products and materials. Examples of circular travel and tourism include reusable or biodegradable packaging, sharing or renting platforms, upcycling or recycling initiatives, zero-waste or minimalism lifestyles, regenerative or restorative practices.

Inclusive and equitable travel and tourism

This refers to ensuring that travel and tourism contribute to social justice and human rights, as well as to the empowerment and well-being of all people, especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable. Examples of inclusive and equitable travel and tourism include accessible or universal design, fair trade or ethical sourcing, social enterprise or impact investing, community-based or participatory tourism, diversity or inclusion policies.

These trends and opportunities are not mutually exclusive or exhaustive but rather complementary and synergistic. They represent some of the ways that travel and tourism can become more sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change, as well as more beneficial and meaningful for all stakeholders.

Closing Thoughts

Climate change is a reality that affects every aspect of our lives, including travel and tourism. It poses significant challenges and risks for the industry and travelers, but also offers new possibilities and rewards for those who are willing to adapt and innovate. Travel and tourism have the power to make a difference in the world, not only by reducing their own impacts and emissions, but also by enhancing their positive contributions to the environment and society. The future of travel and tourism depends on how we respond to climate change today.