Will climate change disrupt the tourism sector?

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the links between climate change and tourism and explores the connections between these themes. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides an analysis based on the literature and evidences from recent studies. Findings The tourism sector was already severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and whereas it is now on a slow pathway to recover, climate change is adding an additional pressure to it. Social implications Knock-on effects could also trigger disruptions in various other sectors. This includes not only local agriculture but also important sources of income for people in tourist destinations such as service providers (e.g. drivers, tourism guides), local handicraft industries and many other small businesses, which rely on tourism as source of employment or of direct income. Originality/value The paper points out to the fact that, whereas adaptation to climate change is a long-term process, a strategic approach to handle its immediate impacts to the tourism sector are important.