Record heatwaves, blazing wildfires and oppressive humidity are transforming the world’s tourism industry as holidaymakers struggle to deal with the havoc wrought by climate change.
A growing number of travellers are seeking “coolcations” – destinations with milder climates – looking beyond traditional hotspots like Greece and Portugal, according to luxury travel advisers who say their clients are altering plans due to climate change.
Heatwaves in Europe saw tourist sites including the Acropolis in Athens and the Eiffel Tower in Paris shut this summer, and the region is tipped to see a widening tourism divide due to the uneven impact of climate change. Its northern coastal regions are likely to have more than a 5 per cent increase in demand during summer and early autumn, while parts of its south will lose almost 10 per cent of summer tourists, according to a European Commission study.
That trend is likely to be replicated around the world.
Dangerously high temperatures have driven down visitor numbers at Tokyo Disney Resort, and US theme park operator Six Flags Entertainment said severe weather, including heatwaves, drove a nearly US$100 million loss in the second quarter as it reduced its revenue outlook. Meanwhile, places like Antarctica, Norway and Iceland have seen their popularity boom.
From ice parks to green oases in city centres, here’s how the world is trying to help tourists beat the heat.
Singapore
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