#United States #New York #climate action #Travel Foundation #Destination RiskScan

Cities Worldwide Urged to Prepare for Climate Challenges

At New York Climate Week, a significant initiative was launched by the Travel Foundation along with a coalition of international partners. The program, known as Destination Climate RiskScan, intends to arm popular cities with vital climate risk assessments for the tourism industry and strategies to boost the resilience of their visitor economies.

This current phase emphasizes cities, inviting Urban Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and city authorities globally to participate. Each city will receive a customized risk evaluation detailing how anticipated climate threats—such as rising temperatures, water shortages, and the peril of wildfires—might impact their tourism economy. In addition to risk profiles, cities will gain strategic insights on developing tourism and business travel that safeguard their destination assets while maintaining visitor demand and fostering climate-ready business operations.

The announcement took place during an event organized by FINN Partners and the Travel Foundation, which engaged hospitality and tourism leaders in discussions about climatic pressures affecting urban areas and how the hospitality sector can spearhead resilience efforts. It was highlighted that cities account for approximately 50% of all international trips (as per Tourism Economics 2019), with nearly 1,000 cities anticipated to experience regular extreme heat conditions by 2050 (C40 Cities, 2018).

Jeremy Sampson, the CEO of the Travel Foundation, emphasized the pressing need for tourism to recognize climate risks as an integral aspect of their operations. “It’s crucial for cities to rethink travel in light of climate challenges,” he stated. “This initiative equips cities with the necessary tools to anticipate, adapt, and cultivate thriving tourism economies even amidst climate uncertainties.”

The project showcases collaboration among prominent organizations involved in travel, resilience, urban strategy, and workforce development. Partners include:

• - The Travel Foundation, which leads global climate action within tourism.
• - CELTH and its academic allies, such as Breda University and NHL Stenden University, utilizing the Destination Climate RiskScan methodology.
• - Risklayer, known experts in resilience and risk analysis.
• - Resonance, specialists in data-oriented placemaking.
• - FINN Partners, a global agency leading sustainability efforts.
• - Tourism HR Canada, promoting a more resilient tourism workforce.

Additionally, as part of the launch, Resonance announced the availability of three £5,000 Climate Action Grants to assist up to three city destinations with their project expenses. All participating destinations will benefit from the in-kind support provided by Resonance and other collaborators, which includes pro bono services and discounts, making the total value of participation far exceed the participation costs.

Chris Fair, President and CEO of Resonance, remarked on the necessity for cities to have access to clear data and actionable strategies to confront the growing impact of climate change. He stated, “Our Climate Action Grant is a significant step in providing cities with the financial support needed to engage in this pivotal initiative. We are hopeful that this effort will inspire cities to innovate and take decisive actions towards climate resilience in urban tourism.”

For cities interested in learning more or registering for participation, further information can be found at Travel Foundation's dedicated page.

As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, the collective effort from city leaders and tourism stakeholders is critical in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for urban tourism. Much is at stake, and it's essential for cities to take proactive steps to safeguard both their environments and economies.