Investigating adaptation of nature based tourism to climate change : case study of Hwange (Zimbabwe)

M.Sc. (Environmental Management)Abstract: There is growing global concern of climate change together with its associated impacts on the natural environment, economic activities and on humans. One of the areas of concern is the tourism sector. Climate change is already affecting the sector and is becoming more evident through the effects that are being experienced. Furthermore, the tourism sector is also substantially contributing to the global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through the long hauling of tourists and emphasis on tourist comfort. Climate is an important resource for tourism, and especially for nature based tourism as the changing climates and weather patterns at tourist destinations can significantly affect the tourist`s comfort and alter their choice of destinations. A reduction in the tourist flows will have negative impacts on tourism sector and also creates a knock off effect on communities and auxiliary service providers that benefit from tourism. Developing countries are likely to suffer the most as the tourism sector is major a contributor to their economies. Zimbabwean tourism heavily relies on its natural environment for tourist attractions, thus climate change is a huge threat to the environment. This research investigated climate change perceptions within the tourism sector in Hwange through how the tourism sector is adapting to climate change. The study area was Hwange National Park (HNP), located in Hwange which is a semi-arid region and the whole area is heavily dependent on the tourism sector as an economic driver. Results from the research indicate that, the tourists, tourist accommodation establishments, HNP employees and the Government of Zimbabwe are aware of climate change threats and are gravely concerned about its impacts on tourism. However, very limited action is being taken in this regard. The increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events being experienced in Hwange has resulted in the increase in climate change concerns within the tourism stakeholders. Nevertheless, the tourism sector in Hwange is faced with a myriad of problems that threaten business and profitability hence, tourism stakeholders are mainly focusing on maintaining their businesses, supply of water and adjusting to a volatile economic and political environment. There is a serious lack of climate change planning from the government, local authorities and tourism stakeholders to deal with climate change impacts. The research results indicate that there is a serious need for further climate change research to aid in policy making within Zimbabwe