Spain | The Impact of Climate Change on Tourism Demand in Spain

Summary

Climate is a relevant factor in the choice of a tourist destination. Changes in climate conditions could alter the seasonal and geographical pattern of tourism in Spain, with the impact depending on the adaptation policies implemented.

Key points

• Key points:
• The study results, at the provincial level, show a potential change in the seasonality of tourism, with a more homogeneous distribution of demand throughout the year.
• The rise in temperatures could particularly harm the coastal areas of the Mediterranean, especially in the more extreme warming scenarios. However, this impact would be partially offset by an improvement in tourism demand in northern Spain.
• By the end of the century, the net effect of climate on tourism, compared to the 2024-2030 period, is estimated to range between -0.3% and -7%, depending on the temperature scenario.
• The magnitude of the impact depends on the climate comfort indicators considered, but the qualitative conclusions (changes in the seasonal and geographical pattern of tourism) are robust.
• Although climate change poses significant challenges to the traditional tourism model, it also presents opportunities that could ensure the long-term resilience of the Spanish tourism sector.

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