Global warming is extending the tourism season
Global Warming is Extending the Tourism Season
Due to climate change and global warming, this summer saw temperatures above the seasonal norms. While this affects nature and daily life in many ways, it has also impacted the tourism sector. Prof. Dr. Orhan İçöz, Vice Chair of the Department of Tourism Guidance at Yaşar University, stated that while warmer temperatures might extend the tourism season, they are more likely to shorten the winter season and lead to excessive resource consumption, causing negative effects.
According to data from the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM), July 2024 was recorded as the hottest July in the last 53 years in Turkey. Experts are focusing on seasonal shifts and droughts, and the tourism sector is also affected by these temperature changes. Prof. Dr. İçöz noted that global warming could potentially extend the summer tourism season in Turkey but would also lead to increased resource consumption and negative impacts on winter tourism. A study by the European Union suggests that if global warming continues at this rate, the current tourism situation could change, with cooler regions like Scandinavia becoming more advantageous and attracting tourists seeking cooler weather.
Extended Summer Season Affects Winter Tourism
Prof. Dr. İçöz discussed the impact of climate change on the tourism sector, explaining that since tourism is closely related to seasonal patterns, it is inevitably affected by temperature changes. Global warming increases the duration and intensity of hot weather, leading to more hot days throughout the year. At the same time, reduced rainfall causes water shortages and negatively impacts winter tourism due to fewer snowy days. Turkey, being in a region with low rainfall, is significantly affected by global warming. Over the past year, the country has experienced one of the driest periods in recent years, resulting in minimal rainfall and making winter tourism destinations reliant on artificial snow.
Although there is an optimistic view that longer hot days might extend the tourism season in Turkey, Prof. Dr. İçöz mentioned that this seems unlikely given the current markets and visitor profiles. The summer and beach tourism market mostly consists of younger and middle-aged individuals with work or study commitments, who have limited opportunities to travel outside the June-September period. Therefore, tourists outside the high season are typically older individuals who prefer cultural, health, or walking activities rather than hot weather and beaches. Thus, the country's tourism infrastructure is already suited to accommodate such tourists. The goal of an extended tourism season should be to target cultural tourists and those who can travel year-round rather than just summer tourists.
Accommodation Occupancy Rates in Popular Destinations
Prof. Dr. İçöz described how the tourism season is quite long in Turkey's western and southern regions. For example, Antalya is open for tourism year-round, while popular destinations like Marmaris have a long season from April to October, and Bodrum from May to October. In these areas, accommodation occupancy rates are about 98% during the peak season and around 70% in other periods.
Cooler Regions May Gain Interest
Prof. Dr. İçöz suggested that climate change might redirect tourists to cooler regions. The World Tourism Organization and the European Union are addressing climate change and global warming as significant issues. An EU study indicates that if global warming continues at this rate, tourism could shift, with cooler European regions like Scandinavia benefiting from the change and attracting tourists seeking cooler climates. The study also noted that changes in the main holiday season might occur, but these would be gradual, with slow shifts in travel flows and holiday corridors. The phenomenon of overtourism in popular destinations could also contribute to these changes.
Focus on Quality Tourism
Highlighting the impact of global warming and intense tourist activity on energy consumption, Prof. Dr. İçöz stressed that Turkey faces serious issues with water scarcity and energy loss due to high water usage in tourism areas and continuous cooling systems. In some destinations, the high consumption by tourists is harming the quality of life for local residents, leading to a negative response to tourism. Therefore, rather than aiming for a higher volume of tourists, the focus should shift to elite, sustainable, and eco-tourism. The country's primary goal should be to attract fewer but more quality-oriented tourists.