Tourism and climate change in North Rhine-Westphalia - Options and perspectives

What steps can be taken by hotels and restaurants to ensure their continued viability in the future? In what ways might digitalisation play a supportive role? What modifications must be made to the tourism infrastructure? The report, entitled "Tourism and climate change in North Rhine-Westphalia - options and prospects", which was commissioned by the state government, provides responses to these questions. It presents those responsible for tourism with a series of specific measures that have the potential to exert a sustainable impact while simultaneously generating positive economic effects.

- Climate change is altering the general conditions: Rising average temperatures, increasing drought and more frequent extreme weather conditions pose new challenges for tourist destinations.
- The tourism industry can and has to to contribute to climate protection.
- The demand for tourism in North Rhine-Westphalia is characterised by significant heterogeneity. With regard to trade fairs, cultural events and city tourism, the focus is commonly placed on the Rhine region and the Ruhr area. It is anticipated that the effects of climate change will be relatively minor in this region in the future, both directly and indirectly.
- Outdoor tourism is significantly more affected by climate change and has thus far primarily occurred in the low mountain ranges, the Bergisches Land, Münsterland, and the Lower Rhine region.
- Furthermore, it also affects winter sports, which are concentrated in a relatively limited number of locations within the low mountain range.
- It is imperative that resilience and future viability of the tourism industry in the face of climate change are maintained and expanded through the implementation of climate adaptation and climate protection measures.