THE IMPACTS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATER RESOURCES AND TOURISM: THE RESPONSES OF LAKE BALATON AND LAKE TISZA

In Hungary, tourism is an important economic and social activity. Leisure tourism is typically seasonal and highly dependent on water and climatic resources. Lake Balaton is one of the largest bodies of freshwater in Europe and the Lake Balaton Region is the oldest and most established holiday destination in Hungary. Lake Tisza, on the other hand, is a recently developed tourist destination; however, it does share one common characteristic with Lake Balaton: tourism is a dominant economic sector in both areas. Climate change impacts have been observed on both lakes and these changes significantly influence the development of tourism in the regions. This study, based on secondary research, observation and interviews, provides an overview of tourism development at Lake Balaton and Lake Tisza, and examines the major negative and positive impacts brought about by climate change