Climate Change and Effects on Brazilian Tourism
Since 2011, March 16 has been marked as the National Day of Awareness on Climate Change in Brazil, a legislative milestone that aims to raise awareness among the population about the environmental challenges faced by the country and the world. This date represents a crucial opportunity to reflect on the impacts of climate change on various sectors, including tourism, one of the most important economic activities in Brazil. With rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns, tourism faces new challenges and opportunities against a backdrop of accelerated environmental change.
In this article, we will explore the effects of climate change on Brazilian tourism, analyzing recent data from the Ministry of Tourism, the Booking platform, and the Tourism Panel on Climate Change (TPCC), and discussing the importance of raising awareness and adopting sustainable measures to ensure the resilience and future of the tourism sector in the country.
Climate Challenges and Brazilian Tourism
Tourism is one of the most significant sectors for the Brazilian economy, but it is facing increasing challenges due to climate change. A recent study released by the Ministry of Tourism revealed alarming data on the perception and impacts of climate change on the country's tourism sector.
According to the study entitled "Tourism Trends: Behavior of the Brazilian Population", prepared by the Institute for Reputation and Image Research (IRPI) in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, 27% of respondents stopped doing some type of leisure tourism due to intense climate change. This shows a growing concern among Brazilians regarding the sustainability of the tourism sector.
In addition, the survey shows that 63% of respondents believe that climate change harms tourism activity, citing extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, heavy droughts and sudden temperature variations, as the main causes. This negative perception is directly impacting traveler behavior, with 27% of respondents reporting having given up on a trip to Brazil due to the effects of climate change.
The study, which heard 2,029 people in all 27 Federation Units, also reveals that the majority of respondents recognize the importance of tourism events for the development of the sector, such as music festivals, congresses and concerts by international artists. However, only about 23% of people surveyed are aware that Brazil will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-30) in 2025.
When informed about the COP-30 in Belém (PA) and asked about its importance, seven out of ten respondents confirmed the relevance of the conference for the city, the North region and Brazil as a whole. This suggests a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between sustainability and tourism, with 79% of respondents perceiving that exploring tourism brings benefits to cities, despite the potential harms caused by climate change.
Weather affecting travel decision
On the other hand, a survey conducted by the travel booking platform Booking revealed that climate change is increasingly influencing the choices of tourist destinations by Brazilians. According to the study "Travel Predictions for 2024", 56% of national tourists are looking for milder climates to escape the heat, while 70% indicated that they would opt for cooler destinations if the temperature in their region of origin increases.
This trend is driving the growth of trips focused on aquatic experiences, with 41% of Brazilians interested in destinations with beaches, rivers and waterfalls. These changes in traveler behavior reflect the growing need for the tourism sector to adapt to climate change and reinforce the importance of awareness and the adoption of sustainable practices to ensure the resilience and future of tourism in Brazil.
Global tourism and climate change
The "Tourism and Climate Change Stocktake 2023" study offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of tourism in relation to the global climate crisis. It follows the TPCC Foundation Report introduced during COP27, and highlights the intersection between tourism and climate change, as well as the challenges and opportunities that this relationship presents for Brazil and other countries around the world.
One of the key takeaways is the urgent need for leadership and action across the tourism sector to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this decade. The study points out that, despite the continued growth of tourism globally, emissions from the sector have also increased annually over the last decade, putting at risk the goals set out in the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
In the Brazilian context, the country is recognized for substantially including tourism in its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) with regard to national climate policy. This inclusion highlights Brazil's commitment to addressing climate challenges affecting the tourism sector and to developing adaptation strategies to ensure the sustainability and resilience of tourism in the country.
In addition, the study highlights the importance of considering the impacts of climate change on tourism activities and the efforts needed to promote more sustainable and climate-resilient tourism. This includes the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with tourist transportation, as well as to adapt tourist destinations to climate change to ensure their long-term viability.
What do we take from all this?
As we celebrate National Climate Change Awareness Day, it is essential to reflect on the role of Brazilian tourism in the midst of global environmental challenges. The data presented highlight the urgency of coordinated actions and effective policies to address the impacts of climate change on the tourism sector.
The negative perception and behaviors of travelers reflect the pressing need for adaptation and mitigation on the part of tourism professionals. Therefore, all sectors, companies, governments and tourism professionals must unite in this collective effort to promote more sustainable and climate-resilient tourism.
Only together can we ensure a prosperous future for Brazilian tourism and preserve our natural resources for future generations.