2.1.1.a Changes in climate suitability for tourism activities

Climate change will affect several elements such as average, maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity, and sunshine hours[1]. All these elements form what is known as thermal comfort. Thermal comfort is an important resource for many types of tourism. Mieczkowski (1985) developed a Tourism Climate Index, defining the suitability of climate for sightseeing activities[2]. It is a composite measure of the climate wellbeing of tourists. Although climate is one of the variables that motivate tourists in their choice, it could play an important role in the final destination choice. It could be foreseen for Switzerland that domestic tourist destinations, mainly at lakes and in the Alps, may become more attractive with increasingly hotter summers.

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[1]For example, mean annual temperature in Switzerland is supposed to increase of 2.1°C until 2050 in relation to 1990 (Frei 2004, OcCC/Proclim 2007). Seasonally, the average temperature will increase of about 1.8°C in winter (+0.7/+3.4) and fall (+0.8/+3.3), of 2.1°C in spring (+1.1/+3.5), and of 2.7°C in summer (+1.4/+4.7). A more detailed description coud be found HERE.

[2]A description of the method can be found in Mieczkowski (1985) and in Perch-Nielsen (2008).