Tourism expert perceptions for evaluating climate change impacts on the Euro‐Mediterranean tourism industry

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse perceptions among European tourism experts specialising in tourism planning regarding the impact that climate change may have on tourism management.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was the double convergent Delphi Method. A total of 70 European experts in tourism planning were surveyed to determine their opinions. Two focus groups of experts were organised, first to fine‐tune the questionnaire before implementing the Delphi method and, second, to check the results afterwards.

Findings

The most noteworthy findings expressed were: climate change has already begun; life in the forthcoming decades will be subject to constant uncertainty; there is a clear perception of responsibility; there is a reluctance to accept repressive taxation but support for renewable energy incentives; and there is a call for responsible growth based on integrated destination management, public‐private co‐responsibility and the application of mitigation/adaptation measures. Additionally, climate change is already threatening tourist enterprises, and an efficient integrated management system in companies and tourist destinations will be required to cope with its negative effects.

Research limitations/implications

The limits of this research are those inherent in the Delphi method itself, which is highly opinion‐based. To reduce this, the sample was broadened to include 70 interviewees instead of the 30 traditionally used.

Practical implications

The practical implications lie in offering an exploratory vision of climate change from experts' perception; their outlook considerably broadens the field of reflection.

Originality/value

Additionally, the value of the paper is to allow discussion on the perception of experts in tourism planning regarding climate change in the Euro‐Mediterranean region.

Citation

Valls, J. and Sardá, R. (2009), "Tourism expert perceptions for evaluating climate change impacts on the Euro‐Mediterranean tourism industry", Tourism Review, Vol. 64 No. 2, pp. 41-51. https://doi.org/10.1108/16605370910963518