Hot air masses from Africa are currently causing unbearable heat in southern Europe. In major Spanish cities such as Seville and Córdoba, temperatures are rising to over 40 degrees. Greece and Italy have also been hit by a heat wave for days. In major cities such as Rome and Florence, temperatures of up to 38 degrees are being measured in the shade, in Sicily it is two degrees more.
The tourism industry is certain: if the heat waves due to climate change continue to increase, this could force some holidaymakers to flee in the long term. Instead of Mallorca or Malaga, people prefer to book Sweden or Scotland. Because it is already clear that fjords are increasingly popular instead of beaches, ‘coolcation’ is booming.
A study found that holidaymakers’ spending in Spanish regions with a more temperate climate rose more than in particularly warm areas. If temperatures continue to rise, forecasts show that tourism could plummet by as much as 15 percent during the peak season, that is, the months of July and August.
Demonstrations against mass tourism
But tourism in Spain is still booming and many cities are considered hopelessly overcrowded. In the Mediterranean metropolis of Barcelona, in Malaga and Mallorca, protesters have demanded measures against the excesses of mass tourism. Locals are also outraged by the associated environmental impact, traffic congestion, general overcrowding, water shortages and the overloading of health care and waste management.
Bella Italia groans under heat wave
Italy is also in demand for the dolce vita, but the country is battling an unprecedented heat wave. Temperatures in parts of the Mediterranean country were so high on Friday that the Health Ministry issued the highest heat alert level for 17 major cities – including the capital Rome and Florence. Tourists in Rome and Florence struggled through the streets of the ancient cities and from one attraction to another in temperatures of around 38 degrees. Nevertheless, the country is seeing record numbers of visitors.
Permanent 30 degrees in Greece
As in Spain and Italy, the current high temperatures are also causing problems for the Greek tourist industry. In the capital Athens, where many guests stay all year round, temperatures have been above 30 degrees day and night for ten days.
Other regions are also affected by the heat wave. However, this also suits the country: the sector has long advocated that the season should start much earlier and end much later. Accordingly, visitors are recommended to travel to Hellas in the cooler months of March to May and October. Then the temperatures are bearable and the popular destinations are not so crowded.
A “Gallic village” rejoices in the first days of midsummer
The Dutch (still) see what causes others grief and sorrow as a blessing. This week Orange (how did it feel) registered the first real days of midsummer.
The twelve months from June 2023 to June 2024 were the wettest ever in the country on the North Sea. No wonder that hardly anyone is complaining about the mini heatwave that lasted three days this week.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
