Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism

Abstract

This paper outlines the conceptual framework of differing climate change impacts and justifies the necessity of economic impact studies, especially at a local level. Results of a number of global impact studies (regarding international tourist flows and expenditures), as well as those conducted at both European and country levels (about both summer and winter tourism) have been examined. The purpose is not to give single values to damage or the impact of climate change, but to explore the plausible range of impacts. This paper also presents a new research project - CLAVIER (Climate Change and Viability: Impacts on Central and Eastern Europe) funded by the 6th Framework Programme and aimed at filling in the research gap concerning local level studies, especially those related to economic impact and vulnerability issues.