Tourists’ Preferences for Adaptation Measures to Build Climate Resilience at Coastal Destinations. Evidence from Cyprus

Abstract

The tourism sector is recognised as being highly vulnerable to climate change, and research is still considered scarce to support destinations to enhance resilience capacities. This study aims to analyse tourists’ preferences for adaptation measures that can be implemented at coastal destinations to face climate risks. To this aim, 258 questionnaires were completed by tourists visiting Cyprus in the summer of 2019. Tourists were posed with hypothetical situations where several climate risks occur at the destination, and were asked to choose between alternative combinations of policies to counteract these impacts. Results indicate that the programs related to beach protection, heat waves amelioration, water supply and infectious diseases prevention are the most valued by tourists. The study provides recommendations aimed at being useful for all coastal destinations, highlighting the importance of climate-related preparedness and adaptive capacities to enhance the tourist experience value and promote economic impact.