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Report on Shifting European Tourism Patterns in Response to Climate Change

The Influence of Climate Change on Tourist Behavior and SDG 13

Recent data indicates a significant shift in European tourism patterns, directly attributable to the escalating impacts of climate change. Severe heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, are becoming more frequent, compelling a re-evaluation of traditional summer holiday destinations. This trend underscores the urgency of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), as rising global temperatures are now tangibly altering economic and social behaviors, including international travel.

A study by CaixaBank reports that as many as 14 percent of international tourists who typically visit Spain are now opting for alternative locations. This has given rise to the “coolcation” trend, where travelers actively seek out cooler, often mountainous or northern European destinations. This adaptation reflects a direct response to the environmental pressures highlighted by SDG 13.

“Coolcations” as a Driver for Sustainable Development

The pivot towards “coolcations” presents an opportunity to advance several Sustainable Development Goals by promoting a more distributed and sustainable model of tourism. This shift encourages travel that is harmonious with environmental preservation and local community well-being.

Fostering Economic Growth and Resilient Communities (SDG 8 & SDG 11)

The redirection of tourist flows away from oversaturated destinations towards more remote areas supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By visiting these regions, tourists contribute to:

• The economic vitality of rural and remote villages.
• The preservation of cultural and natural heritage, a key target of SDG 11.
• The development of sustainable tourism infrastructure that benefits both visitors and local populations.

Promoting Health, Well-being, and Responsible Consumption (SDG 3 & SDG 12)

Hiking and nature-based tourism align with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by encouraging physical activity and reducing exposure to extreme heat. Furthermore, this trend can be seen as a move towards SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), as it favors low-impact activities that foster a greater appreciation for the natural environment.

Case Studies: Hiking Trails Supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Several hiking trails across Europe exemplify this sustainable tourism trend, offering travelers opportunities to engage with and appreciate diverse ecosystems, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 15 (Life on Land), which focuses on protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

1. The Cammino Retico, Italy

   This 170-kilometre circular route in the Dolomites winds through a nature-rich landscape, connecting remote villages. It promotes the appreciation of protected mountain ecosystems (SDG 15) while supporting the local economies of communities like Aune di Sovramonte (SDG 11).

2. Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden

   A 270-kilometre route connecting over 20 islands, this trail allows walkers to traverse Sweden’s pristine natural landscapes. The provision of amenities such as shelters and fireplaces demonstrates sustainable infrastructure development in natural areas, balancing human access with environmental protection (SDG 15 and SDG 11).

3. The Tatra Mountains, Poland and Slovakia

   As part of the Carpathian chain, the Tatras offer accessible trails through landscapes featuring icy lakes and wildflower meadows. Promoting tourism in this region encourages the conservation of its unique biodiversity and natural beauty, in line with the targets of SDG 15.

4. St. Olav’s Way, Norway

   This ancient pilgrimage route to Trondheim Cathedral takes trekkers through Norway’s fjords and mountains. The trail’s long history highlights the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage (SDG 11.4), while its path through dramatic rural landscapes fosters a connection to and respect for the terrestrial environment (SDG 15).

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
     
     The article discusses how travellers are adapting to the “brutal heatwave” and “record-breaking temperatures” in Europe. This adaptation is demonstrated by the shift away from traditionally hot destinations towards “coolcations” in mountainous and northern regions. This change in tourism patterns is a direct response and adaptation to the climate-related hazard of extreme heat.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
     
     The article highlights the development and promotion of new hiking trails like the “Cammino Retico” in Italy and the “Stockholm Archipelago Trail” in Sweden. These trails are examples of sustainable tourism products. The Cammino Retico connects “various remote villages,” and is named after the “ancient Raeti people,” thus promoting local culture and potentially creating economic opportunities in those areas. St. Olav’s Way is described as an “ancient pilgrimage,” further emphasizing the promotion of cultural heritage through tourism.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.4: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.
     
     The article’s focus on promoting hiking in mountain ranges like the Dolomites, the Tatra Mountains, and the mountains of Norway implicitly supports the conservation of these ecosystems. By presenting these areas as desirable tourist destinations due to their “wild, nature-rich landscape,” “pristine nature,” and “icy lakes and wildflower meadows,” it underscores their value and the importance of their preservation for sustainable tourism and development.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. For Target 13.1 (Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity)

   • Percentage of tourists choosing alternative destinations: The article explicitly mentions a study by CaixaBank which found that “up to 14 per cent of international visitors who would normally holiday in Spain have chosen to look elsewhere.” This percentage serves as a direct indicator of tourist adaptation to rising temperatures.
   • Demand for alternative tourism products: The article implies an indicator by stating that for HF Holidays, “many of its mountainous and northern walking trips have been selling out.” The booking and sales data for such “coolcation” trips can be used to measure the shift in consumer preference.

2. For Target 8.9 (Promote sustainable tourism)

   • Number and length of new sustainable tourism routes: The article mentions the creation of the “Cammino Retico” (170 kilometres) and the “Stockholm Archipelago Trail” (270 kilometres). The development of such trails is a measurable indicator of policies promoting sustainable tourism.
   • Infrastructure supporting sustainable tourism: The article notes that the Stockholm trail has amenities like “benches, shelters and fireplaces,” and St. Olav’s Way has “a number of shelters built along the way.” The presence and quality of such infrastructure can be an indicator of investment in sustainable tourism.

3. For Target 15.4 (Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems)

   • Number of tourists visiting designated mountain trails: The promotion of specific trails like the Cammino Retico, trails in the Tatra Mountains, and St. Olav’s Way implies that tracking the number of visitors to these areas can be an indicator of their use for recreation, which is linked to their perceived value and the need for their conservation.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: euronews.com