Climate change and tourism

Photos: Martine Rebetez and Gaëlle Serquet (WSL)

Project team

Prof. Dr Martine Rebetez (WSL), project leader

Gaëlle Serquet (WSL)

Project duration

June 2009 - May 2012

Background

The Swiss Alps are a traditional destination for tourism, an important component of the Swiss economy. In mountain areas, tourism is the key growth sector.

All IPCC scenarios predict a decrease in snow cover, particularly at lower altitude, in connection with temperature increases. Many alpine resorts are thus expected to become less reliable for snow activities in the future. But the summer season is already longer than it was some decades ago. In consequence, Alpine ski resorts will have to plan and implement adaptation strategies if they are to survive.

Objectives

We intend to isolate the impact of changing temperatures on snowfall in order to better understand the changes in snow conditions and their impacts on the ski season. Concerning the summer season, we intend to quantify the observed impact of hot summer air temperature on tourism demand in the Swiss Alps.

Research Approach

The study focuses on 76 Swiss meteorological stations and on 40 Alpine resorts. We intend to analyze climate changes (temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration and snow cover) during the recent past and their impacts on some touristic activities.

Expected scientific results

This project will bring a better understanding of changes in snow conditions and of the tourists’ reactions to temperature changes.

Practical relevance

This project will help to estimate the range of climate changes concerning variables which tourism may be sensitive to.

Collaboration

- Canton de Vaud

- Office du Tourisme Vaudois

- Christophe Marty (SLF)

- Jean-Pierre Dulex (MétéoLeysin)