Cool weather tourism under global warming: Comparing Arctic summer tourists' weather preferences with regional climate statistics and projections

• Main Authors: Førland, Eirik J., Steen Jacobsen, Jens Kr., Denstadli, Jon Martin, Lohmann, Martin, Hanssen-Bauer, Inger, Hygen, Hans Olav, Tømmervik, Hans
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Arctic; Climate change; Global warming; midnight sun
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517712001446

This article uniquely compares tourists' weather preferences, aversions and acceptances with present and projected future summer weather in Northern Scandinavia. An in situ survey revealed tourist weather preferences (e.g. clear sky, rather warm) and aversions (e.g. frequent rainfall, low visibility). Weather observations and tailored climate projections depict present and future conditions of ‘wet’, ‘cool’, ‘mild’ and ‘warm’ days, and empirical relationships are developed to establish projections for cloudiness and visibility. The projections indicate that tourists' preference for rather warm weather will be met by increasing numbers of mild and warm days. However, the number of ‘wet’ days will increase and prospects for enjoying ‘midnight sun’ tend to be slightly reduced. The study offers a novel approach for better understanding the base of future tourist behaviour under climate change conditions and vital implications for tourism management are identified. Furthermore, advantageous interrelations between different scientific areas for climate change research are illustrated. Weather preference; Weather acceptance; Weather aversion; Weather statistics; Climate projection; Tourism; Sightseeing; Outdoor recreation; Arctic;