Heatwaves may cut Thailand’s tourism income, warns TDRI.

October 31, 2024

With global warming escalating into “global boiling,” alternative strategies are essential to ensure the success of tourism.

During the TDRI annual public conference for 2024, held at Samyan Mitr Town Hall, research fellow Nopparuj Chindasombatcharoen issued a warning regarding the potential impact of intense heatwaves attributed to “global boiling” on Thailand’s tourism revenue. He emphasized that the rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions are likely to deter travelers, significantly affecting the country’s economy.

Nopparuj highlighted that Thailand could be at the forefront of the 48 countries projected to experience a decline in tourism income due to these intense heatwaves. As temperatures continue to soar, the appeal of Thailand as a tourist destination may diminish, leading to shorter visits or reduced interest from potential travelers. This shift poses a serious threat to the tourism sector, which is a vital component of the national economy.

In light of these concerns, it is crucial for stakeholders in the tourism industry to develop alternative strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. By adapting to the challenges posed by global warming and finding innovative solutions, Thailand can strive to maintain its status as a popular destination despite the adverse effects of climate change.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has introduced the term “global boiling” to illustrate the increasingly severe and intense impacts of climate change. He has stressed the critical nature of the situation and the alarming rate at which global temperatures are rising. During a press conference on July 27, 2023, Guterres remarked, “The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived. The air is unbreathable. The heat is unbearable. And the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable.” This declaration underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching consequences.

In light of these warnings, Nopparuj Chindasombatcharoen emphasized the adverse effects of rising temperatures on Thailand’s tourism sector. He cautioned that the degradation of marine and coastal resources would result in a significant reduction of beaches and coral reefs, ultimately limiting the number of viable tourist destinations. The impact on natural attractions, which are crucial for attracting visitors, could undermine the tourism industry and the livelihoods dependent on it.

To address these challenges, Nopparuj proposed that the tourism sector must adapt to survive by implementing two significant strategies. Firstly, he suggested shifting the peak tourism times from daytime to nighttime to avoid the extreme heat associated with the hottest hours of the day. This change could enhance visitor comfort and safety while allowing tourists to enjoy the attractions in cooler temperatures. Secondly, he recommended that the industry focus on adapting tourism activities to create new destinations that are less dependent on seasonal changes. By tapping into the creative potential of local communities, the sector could attract tourists from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) markets, which comprise groups and organizations traveling for professional purposes. These adaptations could help ensure the sustainability of Thailand’s tourism sector in the face of climate change.

Source: nationthailand.com