A new study into the long-term effects of climate change today (Friday, March 17) calls for planners and decision-makers to act now in order to offset the potential damage of global warming to a thriving, multi-billion pound visitor economy.

The report – Climate Change and the Visitor Economy – is the first to give a detailed picture of how changes to our weather will impact on tourism and the natural features that often underpin it. Produced by Sustainability Northwest and the University of Manchester, the report is a timely call for action, and suggests that through strong management, sound investment and a policy of adaptation there is still time to climate proof tourism, and ensure the continued success of the sector.

The study examines in detail the implications for key, "honeypot" destinations, including the Lake District and Peak District National Parks, Sefton Coast and urban café culture. It explores a host of possible impacts from footpath erosion and wildfires to overheating in and around our newly-regenerated city centres. And the study s final report shows that new, more extreme, weather patterns are set to bring as many challenges as they do opportunities.

The report is being officially launched at Salford s Lowry Centre today, Friday 17 March, and although focusing on England s Northwest, shows how the whole UK visitor economy faces new challenges. The research has been funded by DEFRA in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and overseen by a steering group that includes, the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP), English Nature, Environment Agency, North West Regional Assembly, Forestry Commission, National Trust, and Government Office for the North West.
(Creative Concern, 17/03/06)
http://www.snw.org.uk/tourism