The nexus of climate change and urban tourism in South Africa Triaging challenges and optimising opportunities

Introduction

Tourism, environment and human society

The climatic conditions of an area are a core factor in its appeal as a tourist destination and a critical part of its tourism appeal (Gossling et al., 2012). Yearly fluctuations in climatic conditions affect tourism seasonality, whilst daily conditions generally determine the satisfaction levels of leisure destinations (Rossello & Waqas, 2015). Thus, climate impacts are already evident in the tourism industry and are informing policymaking in the sector (Hoogendoom & Fitchett, 2016). These are inclusive of impacts on biodiversity, scenic beauty, wildlife presence, coastal resources, ecosystem integrity and overall local tourism infrastructure (Hoogendoom & Fitchett, 2016). Ultimately, climate change could affect the comparative allure and competitivity of tourism destinations (Rossello & Waqas, 2015). This is because climate projections indicate an increase in the severity of natural hazards and extreme events, including an increased impact on key tourism destinations and sectors (Fitchett et al., 2016; Rogerson, 2016). This makes it imperative to understand the interaction between climate change and the tourism industry in order to apply adaptive measures that effectively mitigate the harmful impacts (Becken & Wilson, 2013; Hambira & Saarinen, 2015). Moreover, such an understanding is crucial to the sustainability of the tourism industry in different locales, including the urban milieu.

Tourism depends on and substantially affects the natural ecosystem where it takes place (Winter & Brom, 2018). Although it is acknowledged that several areas across the globe are being preserved by way of parks and protected areas, the growth in tourism results in serious negative impacts (Boateng et al., 2017). Moreover, some of the notable environmental challenges associated with tourism are the degradation of critical natural resources (such as water sources and forest areas), ecological pollution (such as the polluting of the air, noise pollution, sewage, garbage and littering) and physical effects (such as construction projects, marine projects and the destruction of biodiversity) (United Nations Environment Programme, 2003). The ecological effects of tourism can go beyond local areas to have an impact on the global ecosystem. Spiralling air travel is a typical instance and identified as one of the main factors in climate change. It is argued that the connection between climate change and tourism is complicated; however, tourists do react to the vagaries of the weather in their immediate environs, comprising elements such as inclement conditions, precipitation and sunlight duration. This scenario is intensified for areas that are endowed with a comparatively high number of outdoor attractions, such as nature-based tourism, adventure tourism and beach tourism sites (Agnew & Viner, 2001). Overall, whether advantageous or disadvantageous, tourism is a key agent of socioeconomic transformation globally, whilst the sector continues to change at an impressive rate. The complex interaction between climate change and the tourism sector makes it imperative to involve key stakeholders in a holistic approach to effectively address the challenges posed (Figure 12.1). Ultimately, the tourism industry is climate-sensitive, which exacerbates the associated risks in different environments ranging from rural to urban milieu. Not addressing risks such as drought compromises the goal of sustainable tourism and ultimately the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (Figure 12.1).

This interconnection makes it necessary to address some of the core socioeconomic factors that can help mitigate the risks associated with climate change in the sector to safeguard the industry (Figure 12.1). This includes reinforcing policy and related institutions whilst local actors such as the tourists and service providers become more proactive in their conduct (Mearns & Lukhele, 2015). The core sectors that underpin tourism are often linked to environmental resources and can be subject to vagaries of the weather. This scenario exacerbates the risks

Figure 12.1 The nexus of tourism and urban risks.

The nexus of climate change 169 associated with the tourism sector. Thus, despite the importance of the tourism industry in recent times, discourses about the industry have become progressively linked by the issues of climate change. Although Africa is recognised as a climate hot spot and argued to bear the brunt of climate change impacts globally, there is a dearth of research on its local tourism industry and climate fluctuations (Hoogendoom & Fitchett, 2016). Furthermore, several Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) reports have highlighted the vulnerability and significant diversity in tourism, pointing to the need for further research on climate adaptation in the sector (Donkor et al., 2019). This article contributes to the debate about the connections between climate change and urban tourism, with a focus on adaptive measures that actors in the urban sector, such as Cape Town, can employ to safeguard their niche in the industry. Furthermore, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global blueprint for the peace and prosperity of humankind and the planet. The thematic areas addressed have implications for the SDGs, particularly Goal 8 (“decent work and economic growth”) and Goal 11 (“sustainable cities and communities”), as tourism and urban risk lie at the intersection of these specific goals.