Climate disparity versus risk management: destination demand analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between tourism and climate change and, hence, to understand the impact of climate change on tourist destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual analysis of secondary data was extracted and analyzed. The framework and policy implications for the study were obtained from online secondary data and by interaction with representatives of a state authority.

Findings

The findings from the study show that the impact of climate change on tourism is likely to manifest itself in a number of different ways according to local conditions. Climate and weather are connected with tourism and recreational activities. The paper shows the importance of climate for tourism because climate itself is an attraction. Climate and weather are among the most important attributes to influence tourist decision-making. Changing the climate and weather conditions of any destination may affect the tourists’ comfort and travel decisions, and due to the changing demand pattern and tourist flows, tourism businesses and host communities suffer. Cancellation of any trip due to bad weather causes dissatisfaction and those affected may avoid visiting the destination again. Temperature is also one of the most important climate variables in the analysis of tourism demands as it affects comfort.

Originality/value

This original piece of work suggests that climatic conditions control destination choice and this influences the tourism demands for a given destination.

Citation

Manhas, P.S. (2016), "Climate disparity versus risk management: destination demand analysis", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 8 No. 5, pp. 560-568. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-06-2016-0037