A surge in heat-related fatalities across the Mediterranean this summer has raised urgent questions about the future of travel amidst a warming climate. Traditionally, summer is the peak travel season for sunny hotspots like Greece and Italy. However, with temperatures soaring, these sought-after destinations are becoming increasingly inhospitable and even hazardous, prompting travelers and tour operators to reconsider their plans.
Outdoor activity companies are particularly feeling the impact. Follow the Camino, a company that organizes walking pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago, has observed a notable shift in the timing and routes chosen by travelers. Ciarán Bruder, the company’s marketing communications specialist, noted, “We’ve seen a trend towards more bookings in the winter months, as people prefer potentially facing rain over the risk of heatstroke in summer.”
Similarly, Intrepid Travel, which offers immersive travel experiences worldwide, has had to frequently adjust its itineraries during the warmer months. “We’ve noticed a growing preference for our active tours during the shoulder season, likely influenced by weather conditions,” said Hazel McGuire, Intrepid Travel’s general manager for the UK and Ireland. She added that the company often had to modify tours due to high daytime temperatures.
The impacts of climate change extend beyond heatwaves. Other extreme weather events, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, are also becoming more common and pose additional challenges for travel. “In the past year alone, Intrepid encountered 121 climate-related incidents, including extreme heat and flooding,” McGuire told the BBC. This trend has forced the company to make numerous changes to their tours to ensure safety.
A report by the European Travel Commission in March 2024 highlighted the significant reputational damage that climate change events are causing to several Mediterranean destinations. The report predicts a shift in travel patterns, with fewer tourists during the hot months, more visits to temperate destinations in summer, and an increase in off-peak travel.
Destinations with cooler climates, such as Sweden, Iceland, and the Netherlands, are already experiencing a rise in summer visitors. According to data from Virtuoso Travel, summer bookings for Iceland and Sweden increased by 49% and 47%, respectively. Scandinavia saw a 27% rise, while the Netherlands, Norway, and Ireland saw increases of 33%, 16%, and 13%, respectively.
In response, tour companies and destinations are taking steps to ensure that visitors can still enjoy safe and pleasant holidays despite the unpredictable weather. “Safety is paramount,” emphasized McGuire. “As tour operators, we are responsible for our customers’ well-being and must prioritize their safety in all our decisions.”