Aug 26, 2024
According to research by specialists from the Universities of Alicante and Valencia, climate change in the Valencian Community, in the form of higher night-time temperatures, makes the tourist season more favourable all year round. This prolongs the tourist season in spring and autumn, but the worst "climatic comfort" occurs in midsummer.
Changes in temperature and seasonal rainfall patterns affect climatic comfort, the region's most important tourism resource. In particular, there was an increase in maximum temperatures in summer and late spring, especially in the interior. As well as an increase in the frequency of "tropical nights" (when the minimum night-time temperature is above 20°C) in the coastal zone and an increase in the water temperature of the Mediterranean.
Tourist activity is one of the most important economic factors in the Valencia Region, at the same time as it is largely based on ideal climatic conditions for the "sun and beach" resource. In this context, climate change is affecting these conditions, which in summer become somewhat less attractive due to extremely high temperatures. At the same time, however, this opens up new opportunities for new forms of tourism in the interior of the country, which is greatly facilitated by the shortening of the cold season..
Research predicts a severe loss of thermal comfort in summer by 2100, while the opposite will occur in winter. In addition, in mountainous regions and at high altitudes, a relative increase in comfort can be expected not only in winter but also in autumn and spring..
The speed of adaptation of tourism is important to maintain competitiveness and its strong influence on the regional economy. Therefore, the authors of the studies propose the following measures: changing the "high season" calendar, including June and September, improving the conditions of tourism facilities in relation to climate change. Good water supply systems and changes in public and civil health protocols to address issues related to climate hazards, such as heavy rainfall.
Despite all the changes mentioned above, the Costa Blancaregion is still one of the healthiest places in Europe according to the World Health Organisation..