Climate change and overtourism threats to European tourism

Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission (ETC), has identified climate change as the primary threat to the European tourism industry. Speaking at a summit in Brussels, Santander noted that extreme weather is already causing operational disruptions, such as heat-related rail expansion and low river levels affecting cruises. He highlighted that tourism is a vital economic driver, accounting for 10% of the European economy and up to 20% of the GDP in certain Spanish regions.

Santander also called for increased investment in transport and accommodation infrastructure to address congestion and bottlenecks at popular attractions. He noted that while Europe risks becoming a “museum or attraction park,” it can remain successful if it is “well organised” and “well managed.”

In response to these warnings, critics have argued that other factors may pose more immediate risks. Some suggest that “overtourism” and the resulting local backlash, including violent anti-tourist protests in major cities, are more pressing concerns. Additionally, some contend that weather-related travel disruptions are a historical constant rather than a new phenomenon driven solely by climate change.