Tourism and climate change: socio-cultural aspects

1. Tourism and climate change: socio-cultural aspects Peter Burns, University of Brighton Lyn Bibbings, Oxford Brookes University (members of e-clat)

2. International Tourist arrivals 1950-2020 (UNWTO )

3. OECD (2002) “…Tourism decision-making, like consumption decisions in general, is rarely characterised by a rational ranking of options based on perfect information. Many tourists may … make seemingly irrational decisions as emotions or other aspects of the psyche take the upper hand to logic…”

4. Dynamic circle of climate change on tourism & consumption Tourists get conflicting messages (hyper-consumption vs. environmental sensitivity Media, advertising, promotions creates social pressure to consume Patterns of consumption (the tourist’s carbon footprint) Climate change impact on destinations and related activities Clear unconflicted message on the relationship between consumer behaviour, tourism& climate change Changing nature of tourist demand, ethical consciousness, ‘the new puritans’

5. Seeking resolution… Developing cultural/ behavioural solutions through identification and resolution of contradictions…

6. Multidirectional pressure for change Urgent need for consumption changes Growing consumer ethical awareness Society expects choice and freedom Growth of ‘experience economy’’ Responsibility for stewardship? Think global Muddled evidence & policy conflict Vacillation, lazy tax policies Lack of trust and knowledge Green policies that limit choice Energy intensive peak experiences Fragmented, conflicting interests Act local Political, social, business contradictions

7. Anguished discussions on ‘tourism’ Incessant demand for travel modes Continued business growth Ecotourism in remote destinations Need to reduce aircraft GHG Lifestyle pressure to consume Pro-poor tourism initiatives Reducing demand through price hikes ‘Tourism’ not homogenous Roads & airports ‘unpleasant’ Pressure to reduce travel Ecotourism a problem not a solution Airport owners seeking expansion Need to reduce consumption Pressure to reduce long haul travel Societal need for social inclusion Tourism contradictions

8. example research questions • How can the desire for leisure mobility be managed so that it continues to be part of modern life without causing environmental harm or social resentment? • How can the paradox of carbon emissions generated by tourism and its key role in achieving the MDGs be resolved? • How can international agreements be designed so that a level playing field for business is created? • How can the tourism sector manage its various supply chains in such a way as to minimise carbon footprints and maximise tourism’s potential for environmental championing?

9. What we need to do… • Define new, radical, coherent policies, and business practices • Influence consumer attitudes • Create environment for innovative ways of meeting desires for peak experiences within a low carbon economy • Facilitate re-emergence of ‘slow tourism’ where the journey once again becomes an enjoyable part of the product? • Undertake responsible demand and consumer expectation management • Think laterally about resolution of contradictions