FS 3.133
Climate change and tourism
Full Title
FS 3.133: Climate change and tourism - Impacts, Adaptation and MitigationScheduled
TBALocation
TBAConvener
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
---Thematic Focus
Adaptation, Sustainable Development, TourismKeywords
climate change, tourism, adaptation, mitigation, behavior
Description
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.
Submitted Abstracts
Building Resilience in Mountain Tourism: Adaptive Strategies for Climate Change Challenges
Eran Ketter
Abstract/Description
Mountain tourism destinations face growing challenges due to climate change, including rising temperatures, reduced snowfall, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. These changes threaten not only the natural landscapes that attract visitors but also the socio-economic sustainability of mountain communities that rely on tourism. This study explores how mountain tourism destinations can build resilience and adapt to climate change by implementing proactive strategies that ensure long-term sustainability. Through a systematic literature review, this research examines key adaptive strategies identified in academic studies and policy reports published between 2020 and 2023. Additionally, resilience-related resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from 2000 to 2023 were analyzed to assess global policy directions on climate adaptation in tourism. Findings reveal that climate change adaptation in mountain tourism requires a multifaceted approach. Key strategies include diversifying tourism offerings beyond winter sports to reduce dependence on snow-based activities, developing off-season and summer nature tourism, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. Community-based adaptation measures, including participatory governance and knowledge-sharing initiatives, are also essential for enhancing resilience. The study underscores the importance of collaboration among policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and local communities to implement adaptive strategies effectively. By integrating climate resilience into destination planning and management, mountain tourism can continue to thrive despite environmental uncertainties. Future research should focus on monitoring the effectiveness of adaptive measures and fostering cross-sectoral partnerships to drive sustainable tourism development in mountain regions. The implications of these findings are significant for both tourism management and policy development. Developing resilience in mountain tourism requires a multidimensional approach that incorporates environmental, social, and economic considerations. Mountain destinations must adopt flexible and adaptive strategies that can withstand the uncertainties of climate change while preserving their natural uniqueness. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of continuous research and knowledge exchange to foster innovation in resilience practices, ensuring the sustainable management of mountain tourism in a
Adaptation to climate change in resort-less mountain areas : a scenario based method applied to the Canigó massif (Pyrénées, France)
Mathieu Israel
Claeys, Cécilia; Salim, Emmanuel
Abstract/Description
The aim of our presentation is to examine the strategies carried out by stakeholders to adapt – or not – to the effects of climate change on nature-based tourism area, using the example of the Canigó massif, an iconic location of the Pyrénées-Orientales administrative department. This mountain range lies halfway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Catalan Pyrenees and is particularly impacted by climate change. In addition to tourists, the area also attracts a large number of day-trippers from various localities. We wonder to what extent climate change is changing recreational activities in the massif. Our main hypothesis is that climate change tends to modify twice the socio-economic activities linked to tourism and day-tripping. This means that local stakeholders, who depend to a large extent on recreation activities, are facing (and will face all the more) both a change in their practices due to the effects of climate change (direct impact), and a change in tourist demand (indirect impact) due to the extreme heat on the Catalan coast. Climate models indicate that the phenomena currently observed will become more pronounced in the future (IPCC, 2023). Therefore, we planned to present stakeholders prospective scenarios (Ghosh, 2015 ; Mermet, 2002) to confront them with probable situations of change, based on IPCC forecasts and pre-existing data. Other major works have, for example, studied the adaptation of mountain users (Salim, 2023 ; Rutty, 2015), the transition of ski resorts (Bonnemain, Claeys, 2023 ; Hatt, Claeys, 2024) or the adaptation/ mitigation of the tourism sector in summer (Probstl-Haider, 2021) and in winter (Steiger, 2021) but very few works have focused on the adaptations of the socio-economic stakeholders in mountain areas without mountain resorts and especially with a prospective method. This work will provide an opportunity to question the levers for action of the stakeholders and more generally the sustainability of current activities. This presentation will show the construction of these scenarios and the initial results. It will also demonstrate how the prospective method fits into a wider study of how climate change affects recreational use.
Laura Barraclough
Pöll, Katharina
Abstract/Description
Worldwide, many mountainous regions rely on tourism for income but are simultaneously especially vulnerable to changes in forest ecosystem services and climate change. In our study, we use the Stubai Valley in Austria as a case study to assess how a summer mountain tourism system reacts to those changes. Whilst the impacts of climate change on winter mountain tourism is well understood, the summer side of things is far more complex and ambiguous. We focus on mountain forests and how tourists perceive and understand this ecosystem change as well as the services it provides.
We conducted an in-situ, in-person survey at multiple locations in the valley to understand tourists’ thresholds of acceptable change and their valuation of mountain forest ecosystem services. Expert interviews with retired stakeholders from the tourism system complement the survey with a local and historical perspective on tourism’s adaptions to ecosystem and climatic developments. We found that tourists ranked forests as the second most important feature in mountain landscapes of the options given, surpassed only by high mountain landscapes. Within forests, tourists most frequently perceived aesthetic services, and indicated that they were willing to pay an additional 5€/person/night (median) to protect forests.
Regarding heat thresholds, we found that the majority of people will no longer visit the Stubai if temperatures in the valley reach above 30°C. Additionally, tourists were sensitive to forest loss with 75% of visitors stating that they would no longer choose the Stubai for their holiday if 50 per cent of the forest area was lost. We use local stakeholder perspectives to complement the findings from our tourist survey.
Exploring the Role of Nature-Based Solutions in European Alpine Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends, Practices, and Opportunities
Elsa Ventruba
Kratzer, Armin
Abstract/Description
Austria’s ski areas face increasing challenges from climate change, with declining snow reliability affecting winter tourism, a key economic sector. Nature-based solutions (NbS), which leverage natural ecosystems to address climate and environmental challenges, offer a promising alternative to resource-intensive technological adaptations but are underexplored in alpine tourism. This article aims to fill this gap by analysing European, and in particular Austrian, alpine tourism’s use of NbS through literature, policy reviews, and expert interviews, drawing a state-of-the-art picture and providing insights for further research and policy needs to support sustainable tourism practices and innovative product development, thus increasing the adaptive capacity of alpine communities.
Robert Steiger
Abstract/Description
The ongoing disruption of the global climate system and its rapidly intensifying impacts on both natural and human systems have been extensively documented in recent reports, including the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report. A rich body of literature has examined the impact of climate change on snow reliability of ski areas across the globe. The studies show that season lengths will shorten and snow reliability will decline, potentially reducing the number of ski areas in operation in the future.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU), which hosts biathlon events worldwide, is acutely affected by these climate changes. The sport relies on consistent and fair snow and weather conditions, making it particularly vulnerable to the increasing unreliability of winter weather. We therefore developed an index to assess the climate reliability of 38 IBU host locations for the next decades.
In the baseline climate (1981–2010), 25 out of 38 venues were reliable in both the first and third trimesters, while all 38 were reliable in the second trimester. However, by the 2030s, this number drops to 12–14 in the first trimester, 28–29 in the second, and 10–12 in the third. The 2040s and 2050s see further declines, with as few as 6–9 venues remaining reliable in the third trimester by the 2050s.
The increasing climate risks for IBU venues underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies in the face of rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. Potential strategies include enhancing snowmaking capacity, using snow depots, rescheduling events for improved reliability, strategic venue selection and relocation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Results show that proactive climate change mitigation significantly saves climate reliability in a significant number of locations. Adaptation measures geared to the specific type of climate risk and requirements of each venue can help improve climate reliability and the future of IBU venues.
Territorial Approach to Crisis Management: The Case of Tourist Destinations Facing the Challenges of Energy and Climate Crises in France and Switzerland
Randolf Ramseyer
Salim, Emmanuel; Fragniere, Emmanuel; Kebir, Leïla
Abstract/Description
Tourism plays a crucial socio-economic role in many regions. However, disruptions such as crises or major incidents, including climate change related hazards, can have a significant impact on its development, leading to a decrease or even a halt in destination activities. The impacts of a crisis extend beyond immediate suffering, damage, and business losses, often leading to profound and lasting consequences. These events compel destinations to reevaluate their operations, networks, and foster the development of new opportunities, as well as social and environmental objectives.
The current state of most existing research has focused on the events that lead to a crisis and cause a disruption of the so-called “normal” state, according to a linear logic. Breaking this traditional pattern of thought offers potential for research by integrating concepts and frameworks from other disciplines such as operational research, service science, regional and territorial economics. Given the fragmented nature of the tourism industry and the socio-politico context of the destination, a dynamic and holistic approach to crisis management is necessary.
Focusing on two alpine destinations in Switzerland and one in the French Pyrenees, this exploratory research examines, through semi-directive interviews, the role of crises as catalysts for innovation and development in those destinations, ultimately enhancing their resilience. From a milieu perspective, the territorial dimension plays a key role by providing explanatory factors in the management of climate and energy crises. The innovative milieu approach makes it possible to identify the factors that determine the success of developing regions and the obstacles encountered by others. It incorporates three interconnected dimensions: technological (know-how and innovation), organisational (coordination and interactions) and territorial (proximity and distance).
In the era of globalisation and polycrises, where the capacities of populations to manage their own resources are eroding, this innovative perspective emphasizes the need to locally develop adapted knowledge to anticipate future crises and build more resilient tourism systems. The concept of “territoriality” in crisis management introduces a major strategic change.
Co-design of climate change adaptation and sustainable development pathways in la Cerdanya mountain community. A case study of collaborative network governance and stakeholders of La Molina Mountain and Ski resort
Anna Codorniu
Prato, Luana; Pons, Marc; Inglés, Eduard; Mateu, Pau
Abstract/Description
In the last decade, there has been a significant advance in scientific knowledge of the sustainability challenges in many mountain regions of the world where sports, tourism and recreation economy play a key role. Climate change, the balance with ecosystem impacts or new consumers and behaviours are some of the challenges that these communities face and will face in the future. A sustainable pathway can only be achieved through integrating the perspectives of the private sector, public administration, local stakeholders and the scientific community (Pons et al., 2014, Knowles et al., 2023, Steiger, 2023, Knowles et al., 2024).
In this context, and within the framework of the project PITON: Pyrénées Innovation Transition hOlistique of mountain areas, social and technological innovation is mobilized to generate possible future scenarios and transitions on a territorial scale, involving local stakeholders beyond the ski area operators (Segú & González, 2024). The present case study focuses on characterizing the system and the main elements and trends. Three focus groups were conducted with key stakeholders from the public administration, the private sector, different non-profit and associative entities (Østerås et al., 2019, Miettinen et al., 2020). The data was complemented by interviews and the content analysis of scientific reports and technical documents provided by the studied ski resort.
The identification and classification of stakeholders was conducted in conjunction with the analysis of the structure of their relationships and their collaborative governance alliances within a networked framework. The main result was an identification of the collaborative governance network between the different regional stakeholders. This diagnosis has served as a starting point for designing future scenarios and enhancing strategic decision-making by managing entities. A networked structure, characterised by interdependence among its members has been shown to significantly increase consensus in decision-making and climate change adaptation (Prell et al., 2008, 2009, 2010; Hubacek & Reed, 2009). This research has provided valuable insights for the studied regions and can serve as a reference framework for other mountain regions.
Transformative Learning for Sustainable Mountain Tourism: Gaming Approach with the Mountain Tourism Fresco
Ivan Minguez
Loloum, Tristan
Abstract/Description
Mountain regions face growing socio-environmental challenges due to climate change, requiring transformative changes in tourism practices. Our research introduces an innovative, participatory approach using the Mountain Tourism Fresco, a serious game designed to foster dialogue and collective consciousness about sustainable tourism transitions. Inspired by “Fresque du Climat”(Climate Fresk), this tool engages stakeholders in co-constructing a shared understanding of the impacts of tourism-related activities on climate and local ecosystems. Our work aligns with the conference’s theme of Living Well in mountains, as it promotes a holistic, community-driven reflection on sustainable futures for mountain destinations. The Mountain Tourism Fresco encourages participants—from policymakers to local entrepreneurs—to explore transformative pathways that balance economic development, cultural heritage, and ecological integrity. Through immersive, scenario-based exercises, the game facilitates discussions on climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and participatory governance, empowering communities to develop actionable solutions. This contribution will present key findings from workshops conducted in Swiss mountain regions, showcasing how embodied and experiential learning approaches enhance the transformative potential of tourism governance. We will highlight case studies illustrating behavioral shifts among participants, increased awareness of energy sufficiency-oriented tourism models, and the role of gaming in fostering systems thinking and innovation. We invite discussion on how serious games can be leveraged to inform tourism and sustainability policies in mountain areas, offering a replicable framework for participatory action research.
Small Ski Areas and Local Skiers: Adaptation of Skiing Activity to Climate Change in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland
Shumpei Kurosawa
Abstract/Description
INTRODUCTION: Small ski areas play a crucial role in sustaining skiing culture in snow-covered towns. Previous research suggests that they struggle to adapt to climate change and compete with larger ski resorts, often necessitating unique positioning strategies for survival. Additionally, studies indicate that many family skiers may abandon skiing if snow conditions become unreliable. However, some small ski areas, and their residents strive to adapt to current challenges and sustain their skiing traditions. This study examines the factors contributing to the resilience of small ski areas and role of local communities in the face of climate change.
METHODS: Fieldwork was conducted in Appenzell Innerrhoden, a pre-Alps region in Switzerland. The region features four ski areas with only T-bar lifts, situated between altitudes of 813 and 1,726 meters. Interviews were conducted with two ski lift operators and members of local cooperative. Additionally, an online survey (n=47) was collected via social media from residents of Appenzell Innerrhoden. The survey incorporated the concept of substitutability of leisure behavior.
RESULTS: Appenzell has a deeply rooted skiing culture, with traditions passed down through multiple generations. In addition, several social systems also support skiing activity. This strong community bond plays a crucial role in the town’s commitment to sustaining its local ski areas despite climate challenges. Ski areas in the region receive financial support from both individuals and corporate to keep ski lifts operational despite low operating days. Additionally, residents who are highly committed to adapting to climate change have formed a cooperative to install and operate artificial snow machines, ensuring continued operation. Survey results indicate that family skiers prefer to wait for local ski areas in Appenzell to open rather than travel to larger ski resorts or stop skiing. Furthermore, one-third of respondents stated that they would continue skiing until artificial snow production in Appenzell becomes unfeasible.
CONCLUSION: Small and low-altitude ski areas face significant challenges in adapting to climate change, with financial constraints being a primary issue in investing in artificial snowmaking technology. However, this study found that with strong community support and well-planned strategies, it is possible to sustain ski lift operations and preserve local skiing traditions.
Jean Miczka
Chanteloup, Laine; Clivaz, Christophe
Abstract/Description
Climate change has a considerable impact on alpine huts and the recreational and professional activities they support, making these structures particularly vulnerable. However, a hut is more than a building; it functions as an ecosystem, shaped by a network of actors and interactions that ensure its existence and operation. This hut ecosystem includes owners, managers, wardens, practitioners, guides, trail maintainers, rescue teams, park authorities, environmental organizations, tourism offices etc.. Their collective actions—such as maintaining trails, regulating visitor flows, promoting the valley, or ensuring safety—structure and sustain the hut. The hut, therefore, is not an independent actor but the result of dynamic interdependencies.
To study adaptation, it is essential to consider it as a process rather than a fixed response. This involves identifying different forms of change within the ecosystem, the stresses acting upon it, and the mechanisms shaping adaptation over time. By analyzing these dynamics, we can better understand what facilitates or constrains adaptation and move toward more comprehensive and effective strategies.
This communication examines the various adaptation approaches adopted by key stakeholders, including reactive and anticipatory adaptation, maladaptation, as well as incremental and transformative adaptation. We then analyze the barriers and constraints that shape these efforts, with the goal of identifying best practices and providing actionable recommendations. This study draws on findings from the HutObsTour research program (led by the University of Grenoble Alpes and the University of Lausanne), which conducts action research with mountain hut stakeholders. By integrating field-based insights, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the tourism transition that is currently reshaping the Alps.
Ecological resilience of tourism in the alpine region – an introduction to a fit for purpose index
Helena Gey
Carnuth, Lea
Abstract/Description
The Covid-19 pandemic served as a wakeup call for the tourism industry, which was thought to be economically stable and secure. Many tourism destinations in the Alpine region have still not fully recovered from the challenges posed by the travel and contact restrictions and the associated loss of tourism revenue. However, the pandemic was only one of many crises that will continue to affect tourism in the future. Climate change in particular can be expected to shape alpine tourism.
The Resilient Tourism project, funded by Interreg Bavaria-Austria, follows the core objectives of raising awareness of the need for a resilient tourism industry and providing support in developing resilience at the individual, organizational, and destination levels. The project focuses on the regions of Upper Bavaria, Tyrol and Salzburg, thus covering a large part of the Alpine region.
Within this project, the team of researchers developed a resilience index, a benchmarking tool which provides information on the resilience of tourism destinations and allows the comparison among regions. The index covers economic, societal and ecological indicators for regional resilience, collected through a combination of literature analysis and internal workshops among the researchers.
Climate change can be expected to affect the ecological sphere the most, and our goal is to introduce this subindex and reflect on its pertinence to touristic regions. We present the subindex, which consists of five indicators, and support this presentation through the example of one of the project regions. We also critically reflect on the need for a holistic understanding of ecological resilience in alpine regions and discuss the limitations of such an index against the background of data availability. The presentation concludes with perspectives for future research regarding the ecological resilience of mountainous regions.
Günther Aigner
Steiger, Robert; Mayer, Marius
Abstract/Description
Introduction & Purpose
Global warming has steadily increased the pressure on ski tourism (Steiger et al., 2021) which is of great economic importance in Austria (MANOVA, 2019). Snowmaking is considered a central adaptation strategy for ski tourism in the face of climate change (Knowles et al., 2023). Despite the poor reputation of snowmaking in public discourse (Die Presse, 2022), there has been little research to date on its resource consumption (Knowles et al., 2023). This study provides key data on energy and water consumption of snowmaking and resulting CO2 emissions.
Methods
A questionnaire was sent out to 141 ski resorts in Austria. Data for six ski seasons was returned at the required quality level from 30 small, medium-sized and large ski resorts. The sample covers 34% of Austrian skier visits.
Results
The ski resorts in the sample convert an average of 3,501 m³ of water per hectare and season into snow. The energy input is 24,449 kWh per hectare or 5.4 kWh per skier visit. The carbon footprint in the sample is 54 grams of CO2 per skier visit. The projections for the whole of Austria show an electricity requirement of 281 to 308 GWh per season. CO2 emissions are estimated at 2,829 tons.
Discussion
According to estimates in the literature, the total electricity demand for snowmaking in Austria is between 335 and 950 GWh per season (Steiger et al., 2021). Our extrapolated values of 281 to 308 GWh, which are based on the first evidence-based survey of its kind, are below this range. The carbon footprint of snowmaking seems small compared to the carbon footprint of ski tourists’ travel to and from the resort (Steiger et al., 2021). The CO2 footprint of snowmaking of 54 grams per skier visit corresponds to a 0.4-kilometer drive in a diesel-powered car (Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, 2023).
Conclusion
The consumption data for snowmaking in Austria assumed in the literature appear to be too high. Incorporating the data obtained here could lead to a more objective discourse on snowmaking.
