United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
WTO warns of climate change hazards
The World Tourism Organisation has called for more research into climate change as hurricanes and floods threaten the “health and safety” of the industry.
Secretary general Francesco Frangialli said businesses, tourists and economies which rely on tourism all face dangers from the unpredictable and volatile climate.
He told a conference on climate that more research is needed to assess the full impact climate change is having – and will continue to have in the future.
“Climate change will constitute an increasing risk for tourism operations in many destinations,” he said. “With many tourism activities heavily dependent on the climate and insurance policies increasingly affected by natural hazards, accurate weather forecasting of extreme events are becoming ever more important for tourism businesses.
“Whatever the environmental outcome, tourism cannot be seen in isolation,” he went on. “Major changes in the pattern of tourism demand will lead to a wider impact on many areas of economic and social policy.”
Frangialli said beach destinations, winter sports resorts and all outdoor activities rely on a stable climate on a daily basis.
The long term effects of extreme weather also have a damaging knock-on effect with images of hurricanes and flooding deterring people from travelling and hitting local economies.
Report by Steve Jones
Related News Stories:
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled