Europe is experiencing a scorching summer with soaring temperatures, leading to predictions of a potential shift in tourist preferences. Tourism bodies and experts anticipate that travelers might opt for cooler destinations or plan their vacations in spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat. Data from the European Travel Commission (ETC) shows a 10% decline in the number of people planning to travel to the Mediterranean region from June to November compared to the previous year, likely due to last year’s scorching weather causing droughts and wildfires.
Countries like the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, and Bulgaria are witnessing increased interest as cooler alternatives. Concerns about extreme weather events have risen among travelers, with 7.6% viewing them as a significant issue for trips between June and November. The demand for travel has risen this summer as pandemic restrictions eased, leading to fewer cancellations, especially among British tourists seeking Mediterranean beach getaways.
However, scientists warn that heatwaves are expected to worsen due to climate change, potentially affecting tourism patterns. The fear of extreme temperatures surpassing previous records has made some tourists reconsider their summer trips to southern Europe, with many considering trips in other months instead. The shift in preferences could impact the economies of popular summer destinations like Italy, as tourists might opt for cooler countries in spring and autumn.
Greece, while experiencing a surge in international air arrivals, has faced overcrowding issues in summer tourist hotspots like Mykonos. Authorities hope that encouraging travel during winter, spring, and autumn could help alleviate the summer overcrowding problem. In Spain, coastal destinations in the north and tourist islands are expected to attract high vacation demand due to their cooler summer temperatures.
Overall, the current sweltering summer in Europe is causing travelers to rethink their preferences, potentially leading to a change in the timing and choice of destinations for future vacations.
