Climate change and tourism
THE role of the tourism industry in economic development of countries across the world can not be over-emphasised.
As a matter of fact, some countries’ economies derive most of their revenues from tourism. Over the years the tourism industry has experienced massive growth due to global transport and communications networks that have enhanced promotions and destination accessibility.
In the early days, long haul tourism was largely supported by sea transportation before air transport networks became dominant while inland routes were serviced by rail followed by road networks. While the ease of access to the previously hard-to-reach destinations and attractions has spurred tourism growth tremendously, it comes at a cost. The proliferation of these mechanical means of travel also meant a great increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Climate change has been a topical issue over the past few decades but it has certainly reached that point where its effects are there for everyone to see or feel. The droughts, floods, and scotching temperatures being experienced in different parts of the world are evidence enough of this unwelcome development.
These manifestations of climate change have certainly affected humanity in a number of ways and tourism has not been spared. Weather is a very crucial consideration in tourism planning and as it stands now, its patterns have become unpredictable, which means that summer periods could be extended or reduced and winter may be longer or shorter than usual depending on the location of the destination.
These uncertainties in the weather can easily cause a dilemma in the marketing and purchase of tourism products in different destinations. Tourism planning and visitorship are highly dependent on climatic predictability in order for destinations to attract visitors who are interested in activities associated with each season.
A number of tourism products are naturebased and they are exposed to the negative impacts of climate change that diminish them, rendering them unattractive either temporarily or permanently. For the Zimbabwean tourism industry, the prospect of Victoria Falls ‘‘drying out’’ due to low rainfall almost became a scary and sad reality that threatened to erode the appeal and attractiveness of the destination.
Climate change can alter the unique characteristic of a destination that would have made it attractive to foreign visitors. The accessibility of tourist destinations can also become a challenge following adverse climate change effects. The recent Cyclone Idai that ravaged Chimanimani eroded the road infrastructure, including bridges which for years have enabled access to some of Zimbabwe’s world-famous attractions in that region, rendering the area not viable for tourism.
Droughts experienced in the past have led to the death of many wild animals for which our parks had been well known across the globe. Hwange National Park lost a number of its prized game species such as elephants to drought in the past.
Droughts translate to lack of surface water to drink and also habitat loss when plants wilt, dry and die. Climate change effects can also cause movements of animals to different places in search of more bearable environmental conditions and this means visitors who love to view animals will follow them and this disrupts tourism management systems in destinations.
Floods are also one of the unwanted results of climate change. While water is vital for the survival of animal and plant communities, too much water is dangerous and can add to massive destruction and death.
All this affects tourism negatively because apart from reducing the attractiveness of the destination, the prospect of danger discourages many from visiting such a place. Floods and excessive temperatures can cause diseases which also make a destination unattractive for tourism.
Malaria is one such disease associated with high temperatures and flood plains.
Harsh climatic conditions also destroy cultural heritage property that is exploitable for tourism such as historic buildings, shrines and works of art.
Since tourism is a big source of income, and also fingered among the sources of pollution that affects the environment and exacerbates climate change, sustainable tourism management polices should be put in place by Governments to reduce the negative impact of tourism activity.
Pursuant to this, it has already become standard practice among several tourist destinations worldwide to take steps to prevent worsening environmental degradation, as well as to preserve natural heritage. This should however, not be the task of Governments alone but those in the business of tourism should adopt best practices to minimise climate change and also to mitigate its effects. Entire nations should adapt to climate changes that are upon them and devise means to remain viable as tourist destinations. Use of equipment that have low GHG emissions, proper waste management and use of recycled materials can go a long way in reducing the rate at which climate is changing.
Re-afforestation can also help in maintaining the natural environment and the plants can consume more of the carbon dioxide in the air. Every business, in whatever industry and every citizen or visitor should be conscious of climate change issues and act responsibly.
Phineas Chauke is a Bulawayobased tourism consultant, marketer and tour guide. Contact him on email: phinnychauke619@gmail.com; mobile: +263776058523.