Extreme weather is changing Europe’s tourism

The latest reminder that Europe’s tourism industry needs to confront the realities of climate change and adapt fast

The tourist-friendly weather in certain locations is expected to undergo significant changes due to climate change. According to a study from 2019, by 2050, Madrid's climate will resemble that of Marrakesh, a North African city, while London will be more similar to Barcelona, and Stockholm will resemble Budapest. Despite these potential implications, the industry may not have fully considered or accounted for these changes yet.

Key takeaways

This transformation could have far-reaching consequences for Europe's travel and tourism sector, and is likely to alter travel patterns and deal a blow to some countries in southern Europe;

Still, the region’s tourism industry is unlikely to make long-term commercial decisions based on immediate events this summer, said Mr Tom Jenkins, chief executive of the European Tourism Association;

“There’s still quite a big part of the industry that’s literally just waking up,” said Ms Catharina Martinez-Pardo, a partner at Boston Consulting Group, who specializes in climate and sustainability in hospitality. “I don’t think they’re really ready.”

Get the full story at The Straits Times