Tourists and bookings are at their peak on Danish beaches
In Northern Europe Bloomberg It’s called “travel season” and while the countries may not yet be outnumbered in southern Europe, the climate crisis, remote working and overcrowding are sending tourists north for “coolcations.”
For example, on the coast of Jutland, where mainland Denmark meets the North Sea, VisitDenmark reports: increase Visitor numbers are expected to grow by 119% in 2023, and while the water temperature once meant wetsuits were required, rising summer temperatures mean that’s no longer the case. So for these new travellers, it’s a great opportunity to mix with locals and regular German tourists to experience traditional villages, surf beaches and fresh prawns. One of the attractions of Jutland in particular is that the Danish government has kept foreign investment and construction to a minimum, meaning that if it gets too crowded, you might not be able to find a hotel room.
Similarly, VisitSweden advertisement Coolcations aren’t just the perfect temperature for heat-weary travelers, they’re also promoting a more sustainable holiday: Since 2019, overnight stays in the Nordics have increased by 38% in Denmark, 18% in Norway and 9% in Sweden. Overtourism in some southern destinations is also one of the reasons people are seeking more remote, unspoiled areas in the north.
Princeton University researchers Looking They are looking for ways to cool urban green spaces, but this will take time. Meanwhile, European cities such as Paris and Berlin already hit 30°C by the end of June, and Greece continues to battle forest fires in its fastest-ever heatwave. Other parts of Europe are already facing water shortages and some areas are experiencing flooding.
More tourists are heading to Southern Europe in the off-season to avoid the heat
CNN The report states that while the off-season was once the cheapest time to travel to Southern Europe (think Italy in the fall), prices are rising even during this traditionally slow season as travelers visit the Greek Acropolis in the fall and spring. Coupled with the rise in remote work and digital nomad visas, all of this is disrupting traditional vacation patterns and prices.
It is not yet clear how climate change will affect European tourist destinations, but the Mediterranean Sea is warming faster than the global average and is expected to rise by one meter by 2100, and surrounding cities will be most affected by the hot air from North Africa. It is these countries that are heavily dependent on tourism that are most affected by the rising temperatures caused by the climate crisis.Telegraph Reports In Greece tourism accounts for 18% of GDP, in Spain 12% and in Italy around 11%.
EU Technology report From 2023, the climate crisis is expected to cause a clear change in tourism patterns, with people avoiding southern Europe for holidaying in the north, and potentially heading towards mountainous regions.
In the worst-case scenario outlined, if global average temperatures rise by 4 degrees, tourist numbers in Greece could fall by 7% compared to 2019 figures, while numbers in Scandinavian countries could increase by roughly the same amount.
Maybe not everyone is heading north just yet.
Most tourists coming to Europe are still heading south. Portugal, Italy, Spain and France are already seeing their numbers drop. Numbers The strong dollar led to people travelling to the US and increased travel within Europe in 2019. Southern Europe remains the leading summer holiday destination, with seaside destinations remaining the main attraction in 2024. Statista datacity holidays (Western European tourists prefer rural holidays).
Bloomberg A new report from the European Travel Commission says tourists are expected to contribute $800 million to the European economy, and that tourists still prefer the south. Despite the scorching heat across the country due to climate change, Greece remains incredibly popular in 2024, with a huge increase in “luxury yet affordable hotel options”, the report said. Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission, said: Bloomberg Tourists continue to “prioritize the warmer climate and value for money” remaining in southern Europe.