As one of the world’s largest, rapidly growing industries, tourism is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (UNEP/UNWTO, 2008). This is a result of tourism being dependent on its customers flying to their destinations and possible warming or cooling effects that a changing climate may affect. Considering the tourism potential growth and its impact, it is very necessary to start identifying and implementing mitigation strategies for this industry. Strategies such as raising awareness among inhabitants and development of regulatory government framework would be of much importance. Canada is one example of a relatively large destination where the level of awareness and participation in climate change is still relatively low.

Despite the highly nature relationship between tourism activity and climate conditions, this area has received little attention by either tourism practitioners or researchers (Viner & Nicholls, 2006). This lack of attention has been attributed in part to a historical lack of communication between climatologists and meteorologists on the one hand, and leisure specialist on the other hand (Smith, 1993).  In consequence, there are still some countries where the level of awareness and participation in climate change mitigation strategies is still relatively low.

As a focusing point, Canada will be analyzed. In Canada tourism is one of the leading growth sectors. The tourism board of Canada reported approximately 30 million international travelers in Canada as well as approximately 34 million domestic tourists within the country. This flow makes tourism an important export industry. Due to the country size, people fly regularly from one point to the other even for a short trip of one hour (for instance Toronto to Montreal is a one hour flight). Besides, many of the attractions of Canada (such as National parks, glaciers wildlife, ect.) require flights to get to them. Therefore, there is a high level of usage of fossil fuel. Consequently, climate change can greatly affect Canada.

As Scott et al (2003) stated, one sector which is likely to suffer due to climate conditions is the winter tourism market. Research in Canada suggests that the ski industries in Canada should expect reductions in natural snowfall and a considerable shortening of the season length, even with improved snow making capabilities. The IPCC (2001) has forecast that weather patterns are likely to become both extreme and less predictable. Consequently, the tourism industry will face increased costs (repair of infrastructure damage, insurance costs and water back up).

From a survey done by Butler (2007), it was concluded that two thirds of Canadians now rate climate change as a ‘very serious’ problem. Worry is increasing due to a lack of government action and leadership; demand studies indicate that the consumer wants more focus on the environment. According to Dodds and Graci (2007) the Tourism Industry Association of Canada as well as other stakeholders has been holding several meetings to discuss climate change. However, despite this awareness there has been little pressure placed on the government to develop a climate change strategy related to tourism and to assist the tourism industry in developing and implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies. In 2007, there was a study undertaken by Icarus Foundation. (Icarus Foundation is a nonprofit agency formed to help the Canadian tourism industry understand and respond to the impact of climate change and assume responsibility for reducing its carbon footprint (Icarus Foundation 2007)). The study undertaken in 2007 determines the industry’s understanding, awareness and actions with regard to climate change. The conclusion of this study was that while it appears that the topic of climate change is an important topic for many, it appears that many stakeholders still do not know what to do in order to reduce carbon footprint. Besides, stakeholders believe that if the government and industry are not seen to be doing their part with regard to mitigating environmental effects, Canada’s image as a “pristine, green and outdoor” destination may lose its appeal.

To conclude, the level of awareness and participation in climate change and mitigation strategies is still low in Canada.  As this might be the case as well for many other (large) countries and islands in the world – given the range and magnitude of potential impact of climate change on tourism and vice versa- it is recommendable to raise awareness of this issue among tourism stakeholders in tourism destinations as soon as possible and to transform this into real actions.

Bibliography List

Article:

  • Dodds, R., & Graci, S. (2009). Canada’s Tourism Industry—Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change: A Lot of Concern but Little Action. Tourism & Hospitality: Planning & Development, 6(1), 39-51. http://search.ebscohost.com, doi:10.1080/14790530902847046

Literature:

  • Buhalis, D & Costa, C. (2006). Tourism Management dynamics: Trends, Management and Tools. Amsterdam: Elsevier.