How Real Is The Threat Of Global Warming To The Tourism Industry?

By Timothy Ijala

The threat of global warming to tourism is very real and can no longer be ignored. Below are some real facts that show how real the threat of global warming is on the industry.
Recently in Oct 2009 the President of the Maldives and his cabinet held a cabinet meeting under the water to highlight the risk of the islands being submerged under water because of the rising sea levels as a result of global warming. The Maldives is a famous tourist destination with its unspoilt white sand beaches and high end luxury tropical hideaways. Rising sea levels of up to 58cm as predicted by the UN inter governmental Panel on Climate Change threaten to submerge most of the Maldives low lying islands by 2100.
Because of extreme temperatures as a result of global warming, the once famous tourist destinations are being abandoned for other destinations that have a more favourable climate. As these excesses in temperatures continue, once famous tourist destinations may have to close their doors because of lack of visitors to keep their economies thriving. For example researchers have predicted that in hot areas like Asia and the Mediterranean tourists will stay away because of immense heat and water shortages. Also Ski resorts may see fewer tourists as a result of less snowfall.
Extinction of species. Scientists predict that global warming could result in the extinction of animal species worldwide. As a result of global warming, some species of birds and animals that thrive in cold areas are forced to move away from their habitats in search of cooler places. One animal species that is clearly under threat of extinction is the White Polar Bear as a result of the melting sea ice which it uses as a floating platform to catch prey.
Changes in weather Patterns. For example East Africa has many national Parks which draw tourists to that part of the world every year and because of that the tourism industry has been an income earner for many people there. However because of changes in weather patterns, some places are experiencing longer dryer spells. This means that animals have to move longer distances in search of water, a lack of which may lead to a demise of hundreds of these animals, which is bad news for those in the industry who depend on these animals to bring in the much needed income.