Starting from last June, many countries around the world began to welcome the arrival of summer. Even in mid-June, quite a few countries were already experiencing difficulties due to heatwaves resulting from extremely high temperatures.
According to Climate Central, a nonprofit news organization that analyzes and reports on climate change, more than 60% of the world’s population must struggle to endure heatwaves that are estimated to be three times hotter.
These heatwaves undoubtedly have an impact on various sectors worldwide, one of which is the tourism sector. Here is a summary from Global Komunika of the impacts felt by the tourism sector in several countries.
Thailand
While Thailand’s beaches are usually crowded with people during summer, it is different this year as the Thai government has advised people to stay indoors rather than engage in outdoor activities.
It is estimated that several beaches in southern Thailand will be hit by thunderstorms with temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has warned citizens with vulnerable health conditions to be cautious of the heatwave, as it could affect their travel plans, whether for domestic or international trips.
Even the River Thames has reportedly warmed faster than expected. Additionally, there have been incidents of wildfires in several areas of the UK due to the heatwave.
Australia
The sea around Sydney, Australia, has recorded extreme marine heatwaves. According to a professor from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), ocean temperatures off the coast of Sydney have reached their highest point in 80 years.
Marine ecologists in Sydney warn that this temperature rise could impact marine life. The rising sea temperatures also mean people are being advised to reconsider their desire to swim in the ocean.
India
Scorching heat has overwhelmed water supplies and power networks in the capital city, New Delhi, leaving residents facing a severe water crisis. Due to the heatwave in India, more than 100 deaths have been reported.
According to the India Meteorological Department, this heatwave has been twice as intense during the period from April to June. Temperatures can even reach 50 degrees Celsius in some parts of Rajasthan.
Saudi Arabia
The heatwave coincided with the Hajj season, resulting in a significant number of fatalities during the pilgrimage this year. In Saudi Arabia, there have been at least 1,300 deaths among Hajj pilgrims due to heatwaves reaching temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Analysis by Climate Central states that the city of Mecca has experienced a temperature increase of at least three times hotter due to climate change since May 18, and five times hotter since May 24.
United States
World Weather Attribution, an academic collaboration studying extreme event attribution, stated that climate change has caused the United States to feel several times hotter in May and June. Some regions have even reached temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius.
High temperatures have led to a surge in energy consumption across the country, forcing the government to implement daily power outages to prevent overloading the power grid.
Greece
Greece is the earliest European country affected by the heatwave. In early June, it was recorded that six foreign tourists died while engaging in outdoor activities during the daytime when temperatures were at their peak.
Due to the scorching heat during the daytime in Greece, tourists are being advised to engage in more activities at night when temperatures drop and the weather feels cooler.
Impact of Heatwaves on the Tourism Sector in General
When temperatures rise, popular tourist destinations become less attractive due to unbearable heat. Tourists tend to reconsider their plans and choose cooler destinations to avoid extreme weather conditions. This, of course, can have an impact on the economy of countries that rely heavily on the tourism sector.
Travel agencies are required to adapt to the climate and offer more flexible travel options, including destinations with cooler climates and travel packages designed to avoid the peak of summer.
In addition, the hospitality industry also needs to ensure adequate cooling facilities and provide safety guidelines for tourists to prevent illnesses caused by hot temperatures.
