Edith Cowan University: Climate Change and Swiss Tourism (HOS6502)

This presentation explores the significant impact of climate change on the tourism and hospitality sector in Switzerland. It begins with an introduction to climate change, its effects, and a brief overview of Switzerland's geography, demographics, and its importance in tourism. The presentation then delves into the challenges faced by the Swiss tourism industry, including increased droughts, melting glaciers affecting trek routes, a potential reduction in tourist numbers, and rising costs. The core of the presentation identifies and discusses both short-term and long-term solutions, such as promoting sustainable tourism practices, incorporating green policies, and developing a strong logistics network. Finally, the presentation concludes by summarizing the global impact of climate change on tourism, the specific effects on Switzerland, and the importance of sustainable and cost-effective tourism practices. References to research and resources are provided to support the findings.

Climate Change in
Switzerland

Introduction
 Climate change refers to a change in the climatic patterns of earth
 Results in the formation of new weather patterns
 Climate change can affect the five interconnected parts of climate:
 Atmosphere
 Hydrosphere
 Crysophere
 Biosphere
 Lithospere
 Anthropogenic activities have resulted in a global climatic change due to:
 Usage of fossil fuels
 Deforestation
 Increase emission of greenhouse gases
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkgmKXOM1A
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=craKrAEADEI

About Switzerland
 Located in Central Europe
 Consists of 26 Cantons
 Bordered by Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstien
 Country is divided between the Alps, Swiss Plateau and Jura
 Total land area: 15,940 square miles
 Population: 8.5 million
 Economic Centers: Geneva and Zurich
 Birthplace of Red Cross
 Founding Member of European Free Trade Association

About Switzerland
 Main Linguistic and cultural groups:
 German
 French
 Romanic
 Italian
 Country has the highest nominal wealth per adult
 Has eight highest GDP
 Raked top in governance transparency, national
performance, quality of life, civil liberties, human
development, economic competitiveness an education
 Ranked second globally in terms of quality of life
Tissot, 2016

Importance of tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
 Tourism and hospitality contributes to 2.6% of the national GDP
 Revenue generation: 46.7 billion CHF
 Revenue from foreign tourists: 16 billion CHF
 One of the biggest employment sectors in Switzerland
 Most overnight stays in Switzerland is by German nationals, followed by
people from UK, US, France, China, Italy, Gulf, Netherlands, Russia and
Nordic Countries
 Key destinations: Alpine Regions (Grisons, Eastern Switzerland, Valais,
Bernese Oberland, Bernese Alps) and cities (Zürich, Bern, Lucerne, Basel,
Geneva, Lausanne, Canton Ticino, Locarno, Lugano, Ascona)

Maps and Images
Melting Glaciers

Maps and Images: Hydrology
changes
Wozniak et al.,
2017

Maps and Images: Temperature
Changes
Wozniak et al.,
2017

Significant challenges to the tourism and hospitality sector or
economy
 Challenge #: Increased draughts
 Erratic weather patterns can increase the risks of
draughts in several places
 This can adversely affect tourism and hospitality
 Reduce revenue generation from tourism sectors
 Draughts can also make the experience of tourists more
uncomfortable
 Cause health problems for tourists
Mussalam and
Tajeddini 2016

Significant challenges to the tourism and hospitality sector or
economy
 Challenge #2: Melting Glaciers would close
several trek routes
 Melting of glaciers can close trek routes
 Governmental regulations can also protect several
trek routes from tourist access
 This can reduce tourists
 Trek routes can also close on several alpine regions
where the damage has been the worst
 Reduce accessibility to the Swiss Alps for Tourists
Mussalam and
Tajeddini 2016

Significant challenges to the tourism and hospitality sector or
economy
 Challenge #3: Reduction in the number of tourists
 Erratic weather patterns can ruin customer experience
 Reduction in tourists can cause loss in employment and economy
 This can also adversely affect local communities economy
 Affect the hospitality sector
Mussalam and
Tajeddini 2016

Significant challenges to the tourism and hospitality sector or
economy
 Challenge #4: Increase in the costs of tourists
 Price of housing for tourists can increase
 Lead to off seasons variability in tourism price
 Can dissuade international tourists
 Lead to stronger visa restriction further stifling tourism
Mussalam and
Tajeddini 2016