Climate change and tourism: the level of preparedness of tourism operators to the threat of climate change in the Greater Kruger area

Gelb, Emma

Climate change and tourism: the level of preparedness of tourism operators to the threat of climate change in the Greater Kruger area

Thesis / Dissertation

2025

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Environmental and Geographical Science

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

Tourism is a significant contributor to the South African economy, providing employment opportunities and supporting community development as well as funding vital conservation efforts. However, tourism is both a perpetrator and a victim of climate change This research aims to investigate the level of preparedness of tourism operators in the Greater Kruger area to the potential threat of climate change. This is done by conducting a review of existing research on the topic in southern Africa, South Africa, and the Greater Kruger area. The research considers the current policy environment of South Africa and conducts semi-structured in-depth interviews with tourism operators in the Greater Kruger area. While tourism is responsible for as much as 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is also threatened by climate change. Climate change impacts are already being experienced and are predicted to continue to be experienced and possibly worsen, which could have detrimental impacts on tourism operations. The desktop research and interviews confirm that impacts of climate change are already being experienced, and yet there is little sectoral knowledge on the topic and low urgency has been placed on adapting to these impacts or mitigating any further impacts caused by climate change. While there are government-led policies and regulations aimed at minimising the impacts of climate change and encouraging adaptation and mitigation efforts, development and implementation are limited. Any efforts made by operators to become sustainable have for the most part been self-implemented on an ad hoc basis. Greater focus on the challenges presented by climate change, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across all stakeholders is essential to ensure that tourism is prepared for the threat of climate change so that the natural resources of the Greater Kruger area can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Keywords

Climate change, Tourism

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