IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON TOURISM DESTINATIONS

A Blue Mountains Case Study for the Sustainable Tourism CRC

PROJECT TEAM

Tracey Dickson, Bruce Hayllar, John Merson, Rosalie Chapple, Sue Uzabeaga, Kate Hammill, Beatrice Pegard, Mario Rimini and Phoenix Lawhon Isler.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The research team conducted comprehensive desktop research on climate change in relation to the biophysical and socio-economic characteristics of the Blue Mountains region. The summary report highlights the key findings from this process, with more detailed information available within the full technical report.

The project demonstrated that, despite the Blue Mountains being considered to have low vulnerability to climate change, its vulnerability to changes in bushfire regimes due to climate change puts the Blue Mountains in a highly vulnerable position.

In addition, as Blue Mountains tourism is dominated by day-trippers mostly from the adjoining Sydney basin, the volatility of visitation can be magnified by the threats and perceptions of the risk of bushfire. Media management is necessary with or without climate change.

The adaptation and mitigation strategies identified by workshop participants reflect the need for integrated management plans across regions to be designed. This need is magnified by the number of climate change workshops conducted in the Blue Mountains region, including this project. The lack of coordination may confuse stakeholders as to who is doing what, and where their focus should be placed. This increases the need for greater education and communication with the public, tourism operators and other key stakeholders.

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

2009. Impact of Climate Change on Australian Tourism Destinations.