Resilience and climate adaptation in coastal tourism: A regional perspective

As climate change accelerates, coastal tourism, responsible for half of global tourism spending and a vital economic engine for many regions, faces mounting threats. Rising sea levels, more intense storms, and shifting weather patterns are already reshaping destinations, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. But amid the challenges, many of these destinations are leading the way in building resilience, blending infrastructure upgrades, ecosystem restoration, and local engagement into models that others can learn from.

Coastal tourism’s growing risk

In 2023, coastal and marine tourism generated USD 3 trillion in spending and supported 100 million jobs. Yet, this economic powerhouse is also on the frontline of the climate crisis. The sector contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. But more urgently, these destinations face direct impacts: beach erosion, flooding, disrupted infrastructure, and declining biodiversity.

A one-metre rise in sea level, for example, could damage up to 60% of Caribbean resort properties and lead to USD 100 million in annual lost tourism revenue. In SIDS like the Maldives, where nearly 75% of land is less than one metre above sea level, entire communities are at risk. Without adaptation, the economic fallout could be devastating.

Adaptation strategies are as varied as the destinations themselves. In some regions, traditional infrastructure plays a central role. Miami, for instance, is integrating climate resilience into urban planning, with projects focusing on flood defences, heat mitigation, and smart infrastructure to protect its USD 30 billion tourism economy.

But there’s growing recognition that nature can often provide the best defences. Thailand’s Nai Nang village has restored mangroves with support from hotel groups and local NGOs. These ecosystems help protect against storm surges, support biodiversity, and now provide income through honey production and eco-tourism. Iberostar’s dune restoration projects in Mexico show similar promise, using native plants to stabilise beaches while enhancing biodiversity.

Early warning and community preparedness

Another crucial tool in adaptation is early warning systems. The Maldives, under the UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative, is rolling out multi-hazard alerts to protect communities and tourists alike. These systems are critical not just for responding to emergencies, but for building long-term resilience and trust among residents and visitors.

In Panama, Copa Airlines has partnered with conservationists to protect wetlands near Tocumen International Airport, a move that reduces flooding risk while engaging local schools and communities in environmental stewardship.

Some cities are embedding tourism resilience into wider climate action plans. Rio de Janeiro’s adaptation strategy, for instance, spans transport, land use, healthcare, and ecosystem conservation, recognising that tourism cannot thrive if the broader urban environment is fragile. These approaches highlight the interdependence between tourism and city-wide resilience.

Local action, global investment

Building resilience at the local level requires funding on a global scale. According to the WTTC report, the sector needs USD 120 – USD 259 billion annually to address both mitigation and adaptation challenges. While tourism businesses can take steps within their operations, such as switching to renewable energy or sustainable sourcing, wider systemic change depends on public-private partnerships and international investment.

The report stresses that mitigation alone would not be enough. Even if emissions are curbed, the climate impacts already locked in will continue to unfold. That’s why adaptation needs equal attention and funding.

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