The Travel Foundation has unveiled Climate RiskScan, a new initiative designed to help tourism destinations assess and address escalating climate threats.The project begins with six global pilot destinations, signaling a significant step toward climate resilience in the travel sector.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre of Expertise Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH) and German-based risk analysts Risklayer, Climate RiskScan focuses on physical, transition, and systemic climate risks. These include threats from extreme weather, changes in regulations, reputation impacts, and increasing insurance costs—factors that threaten the long-term viability of global tourism.
From Colorado to Koh Samui
The initial phase of the project will focus on six destinations representing winter and island tourism. These locations will help shape a global methodology and highlight strategic best practices for climate resilience in tourism planning.
| Destination | Type | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado, USA | Winter Tourism | USA |
| Dolomites, Italy | Winter Tourism | Italy |
| Queenstown, New Zealand | Winter Tourism | New Zealand |
| Canary Islands, Spain | Island Tourism | Spain |
| Cook Islands | Island Tourism | Cook Islands |
| Koh Samui, Thailand | Island Tourism | Thailand |
Tools and technology driving climate risk awareness
The project also includes the development of two digital tools:
- A climate risk profile platform, designed with AI and UX support from Holiday Extras.
- A scenario planning and gamification tool that enables tourism stakeholders to explore trade-offs and strategic decisions in managing climate threats.
Collaboration and invitation to join with an eye to COP30
“This project marks an important step forward in helping tourism destinations and companies understand the business case for action on climate,” said Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation.
The Travel Foundation invites other destinations and tourism businesses to support the initiative with a £5,000 contribution. Benefits include access to expert networks, climate insights, and the opportunity to shape future sector-wide recommendations. “Our goal is to turn climate science into practical guidance that destinations can act upon,” explained Dr. Harald Buijtendijk from Breda University of Applied Sciences emphasized:.
Early findings from the Climate RiskScan pilots will be shared before the COP30 climate summit in Brazil this November. A comprehensive final report will follow and will be made freely accessible via the Travel Foundation’s website.
