Global warming is increasingly influencing tourists’ choices of holiday destinations. A recent study conducted by Caixabank Research, published yesterday, highlights the susceptibility of international tourism to heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent in the Canary Islands and the rest of the country, as evidenced by statistics from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
The report, based on an analysis of payment data from foreign tourists using cards in Spain during the peak seasons of 2022 and 2023, reveals that returning international tourists, both to the Canary Islands and Spain as a whole, tend to spend more per day and opt for longer stays. This makes them an attractive and crucial customer segment for the sector. Particularly, the south of Tenerife has one of the highest rates of repeat visitors in the country.
However, the tourism industry faces a potential threat: the loyalty of visitors is at risk due to global warming. The intention to revisit drops by up to 14% among tourists who have experienced abnormal heat episodes. The study indicates that when the average daily temperature during a tourist’s visit exceeds the historical average by more than 5 degrees, the likelihood of a return visit decreases significantly. The decline is even more pronounced during heatwaves of over 8 degrees.
Caixabank’s analysis highlights that extreme heatwaves, often caused by the influx of hot air from Africa, have a considerable impact on British tourists (the main market for Tenerife and the Canary Islands) and Americans. On the other hand, the French and Portuguese are more tolerant of high temperatures.
The report underscores that investments in climate change adaptation and sustainability promotion are crucial to retaining repeat tourists and ensuring the industry’s vitality. Proposed measures include infrastructure investments to enhance tourists’ comfort in extreme climate conditions, the implementation of modern and sustainable air conditioning systems in hotels, and the creation of more shaded and green areas in tourist spots.
In regions like the south of Tenerife, home to the largest concentration of hotels on the island, there are increasing calls for the development of urban parks and shaded areas. These initiatives would help regulate the local climate, alleviate the urban heat island effect, and, most importantly, safeguard the well-being of residents and tourists.
