Popular holiday destinations – tourism in transition: new travel destinations in the climate crisis

In summer, sunbathers populate the beaches of southern Europe. In January and February, winter sports enthusiasts enjoy the mountains, including fun on the slopes. We have known these images for decades. But climate change may in the future make our holiday behavior a thing of the past. Because in July and August we are increasingly moaning at home under the blistering heat. It stays warm well into September and October.

Spatial displacement of winter tourism
With the constant warming, the snow line continues to rise in the autumn and winter months. According to a report by the Climate Fund, simulations show a clear decline and a spatial shift in winter tourism until 2050. While demand at the edge of the Alps could collapse to 50 percent, a plus 50 percent increase is possible in West Tyrol and parts of Carinthia.

This means that athletes on the Arlberg can still put on their skis, but not everyone can afford this fun on the slopes. An enormous challenge for our tourism companies.

Favorite holiday countries increasingly inhospitable
The effects of climate change are also clearly felt in summer. Long periods of warm weather in July and August increase the health burden on people. Outdoor activities are also riskier or more severely affected. The risk of falling rocks increases when climbing and many sports can no longer be practiced due to falling water levels.

Our popular holiday destinations in Italy, Greece or Spain are hit by catastrophic droughts, forest fires and heat waves – so the researchers’ suggestion is: postpone the summer holidays until autumn!