Tour guides face rising risks from European heatwaves

Tour guides across Europe are raising alarms regarding working conditions as record-breaking heatwaves impact the tourism sector. The issue gained significant attention following the death of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a 56-year-old Italian guide who collapsed while conducting a tour of the Colosseum in Rome during extreme heat last summer.

In response to such incidents, Italian associations Federagit and AGTA have called for reforms, including updated summer protocols for cultural tourism. However, the challenges extend beyond Italy. In France, guides working for tour operators or cruise lines report limited autonomy to cancel or postpone tours due to advance bookings, often leaving them to work in temperatures exceeding 40°C.

To mitigate risks for both workers and elderly visitors, some professionals are requesting adjustments such as switching walking tours for air-conditioned museum visits or replacing bicycle excursions with bus tours.