Developing a framework for regional destination adaptation to climate change

The tourism sector is particularly vulnerable to changes in climate, as it is often the weather that sets the parameters for various forms of tourism. Despite this, little research has been done to assist tourism destinations in adapting to climate change. Adaptation aims to moderate, cope with, and benefit from the consequences of climate change in order to manage risk and reduce vulnerability. Most adaptation models focus on the risks of climate change, missing the potential opportunities that may emerge due to climate change. Furthermore, the role of the tourist is largely neglected. This paper provides an analysis of existing adaptation models for tourism before proposing a conceptual framework for regional adaptation to climate change which takes into account both supply- and demand-side perspectives. Consequently, the proposed model provides a holistic approach to adaptation that aims to increase resilience and resistance to climate change by implementing appropriate adaptation strategies that reduce vulnerability, while increasing readiness to capitalise on opportunities presented by climate change.\ud \u