Climate change will affect European tourism flows

Subject

European tourism.

Significance

Tourism is crucial for Mediterranean economies, driven by the comparative advantage of attractive climates and physical environments. However, the Mediterranean is one of the European regions worst affected by climate change. This will have implications for tourism demand in the region and across Europe.

Impacts

• Tourism growth in Spain, France and Italy could slow as other Mediterranean countries recover from tourism downturns.
• Coastal erosion threatens to displace settlement and increase migration to inland areas.
• Freshwater resources will diminish with lower rainfall, seawater infiltration and increased demand, resulting in greater water scarcity.
• Changes in temperatures and rainfall will affect food production, including reducing yields and raising demands on irrigation.
• Businesses are being driven towards lower carbon emissions through new heating and air-conditioning systems and better insulation.