Climate change and Greek tourism

Climate change significantly affects the tourism sector as it alters climatic conditions, impacts natural landscapes and transforms tourist preferences. The key impacts include:

Changes in Tourism Demand and Seasonality

• High temperatures and extreme weather events (heatwaves, storms) can make certain destinations less attractive, especially during the summer months.
• Winter tourism (e.g., ski resorts) is affected by reduced snowfall, while new destinations at higher latitudes may benefit.

Environmental Degradation and Loss of Natural Resources

• Rising sea levels threaten coastal tourism areas, islands and hotel infrastructure.
• Coastal erosion and beach loss reduce the appeal of seaside destinations.
• Wildfires and droughts impact the natural environment and the visual attractiveness of tourist locations.

Infrastructure and Maintenance Costs

• Tourist facilities are increasingly at risk from extreme weather events (storms, floods, earthquakes).
• The need for investment in resilient and sustainable tourism infrastructure is growing, as well as in construction projects to mitigate these risks.

Health Impacts

• Rising temperatures may lead to an increase in diseases (e.g., the spread of tropical illnesses to new regions).
• Heatwaves can negatively affect tourists’ health.

Changing Traveller Preferences

• Tourists may seek cooler destinations (e.g., Northern Europe) or turn to alternative forms of tourism (agritourism, ecotourism).
• Demand for sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options is increasing.

To mitigate these effects, the tourism sector must invest in:

• Sustainable practices (renewable energy sources, reducing CO₂ emissions).
• Climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Diversification of tourism products (development of alternative tourism forms).

Adapting to climate change is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of tourist destinations and ensuring a healthy urban environment and visitor well-being.

Eirineos Nik. Manetas
Coordinator of Tourism Agents – Secretariat of Productive Sectors and Entrepreneurship, N.D.

Photo: EDDIE KASTAMONITIS