Climate change and tourism

Climate change and outdoor recreation are deeply interlinked. On one hand, climate change is reshaping the natural resources that form the foundation of many outdoor activities, such as glaciers, snow conditions, and thermal comfort. On the other hand, tourism significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These dynamics are driving changes in the behavior of outdoor recreationists, including shifts in the timing and destinations of their travel, as well as influencing operational strategies of tourism businesses in a decarbonizing economy. Businesses are increasingly adapting their offerings to ensure the future viability of destinations while simultaneously reducing GHG emissions. To remain competitive and promote sustainable, climate-resilient development, outdoor destinations must proactively adapt to these changes. This session focuses on the intersection of tourism and climate change, exploring key themes such as impacts, adaptation, behavior, mitigation strategies, and the sustainable transformation of the tourism sector.