Climatic change and thermal comfort. Effects on the tourism industry in the region of Valencia

Abstract

Climate change is beginning to have an impact on the economic activities of the Region of Valencia. Tourism is a fundamental activity of this region’s economy, representing 15% of its GDP. The “sun and beach” tourism product constitutes the main tourist activity in the region, hence the importance of analyzing the changes occurring in climatic elements because of their effects on tourism resources and demand preferences. The loss of “climatic comfort”, the increase of “tropical” nights (TºC > 20), the rise in seawater temperatures and the adaptation to atmospheric extremes (heat waves, intense rains, droughts) are the main challenges faced by Valencia’s tourism industry when designing policies to adapt to climate change.