Weather adaptation strategies in tourism

Abstract

Weather conditions impact tourism experiences and influence travel decisions. Nevertheless, studies tend to focus on climate change, with limited research investigating how tourism destinations can prepare for and adapt to day-to-day weather variability. The conceptual ‘Weather Adaptation Model for Destination Typologies’ is proposed, depicting the complex relationship between weather adaptation strategies and managerial interventions. By using a systematic narrative review, this study critically examines the weather-based adaptation strategies available to tourism operators, with emergent findings revealing four key adaptation directions: exiting, protecting, expanding, and sharing. As a result of this review, the ‘Weather Adaptation Managerial Toolkit’ has been developed, comprising seven tools and measures, offering practical insights for formulating and implementing weather adaptation strategies. Furthermore, policy interventions that destination managers, policymakers, and businesses can leverage to mitigate the impact of weather variability on tourism destinations of various typologies are articulated. The paper underscores the emerging field of collective efforts, sustainability, and strategic adaptation measures to navigate the complexities of weather-related challenges in the context of tourism.