RESPONDING TO CHALLENGES IN TOURISM IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ZAMBIA

Abstract

Tourism is a vital driver of the global economy, Zambia inclusive. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the direct contribution of travel and tourism to world GDP in 2012 was US$ 2.1 trillion. However, the tourism sector is highly vulnerable to climate change. This is because tourism depends on environmental resources while climate defines the length and quality of tourism seasons. At the same time, tourism contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), the cause of global warming. Many types of tourism in Zambia are weather dependent and by extension, climate dependent. It is, therefore, very likely that climate change may affect tourism sector in Zambia. Climate change can reduce, increase and prolong heat waves or change the patterns of annual rainfall received in Zambia. Using literature review, this paper presents direct impacts and indirect impacts of climate change to the tourism sector and also proposes response strategies to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Zambian context. Responses such as mainstreaming ESD, teacher education, research engagement, community-based approach, sustainability education among others are proposed.