Tag Archives: extreme weather

According to the latest WTM Global Travel Report, travellers are actively starting to avoid destinations which are exposed to extreme weather. The report, in association with Tourism Economics, found that 29% of travellers from key global markets have avoided visiting a destination in past 12 months due to concerns about inclement or extreme weather. Gen Z – travellers aged between 18 and 34 – are more likely than the average to avoid destinations exposed to extreme weather, with more than two in five (43%) admitting to reconsidering where to go. Extreme weather – such as wildfires, flooding, unusually high temperatures – is widely accepted to be a direct result of man-made climate change. Evidence is emerging that extreme weather events will become more prevalent and widespread as the climate continues to warm. The report references an MIT study which introduced the concept of “outdoor days” as a way to measure the impact of climate change through to 2100. Outdoor days are defined as days on which outdoor activities can be undertaken in comfort. The WTM study pulled out the data for some popular destinations and found that Thailand, for example, will have 55 fewer outdoor days. In contrast, Canada will have 23 more. Tourism Economics data in the report shows that only a slight majority (53%) of travellers say that they attempt to minimise their carbon footprint when travelling. At the same time, nearly two in three (65%) of travellers acknowledge that travel has a negative impact on the environment. That disconnect can be closed by travel sellers helping travellers to make climate-friendly and sustainable choices. Booking.com figures from 2023 are quoted, which showed that 74% of travellers want more …

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