Hotter weather caused by climate change could put people off summer holiday visits, new data suggests

Data collected by the National Trust, which has its headquarters in Swindon, also suggests that tourism spots could face overcrowding at certain out-of-season times, as holidaymakers look to avoid the hottest temperatures. 

It has also warned that the £127 billion UK-based tourism industry may not be ready for the adverse changes climate change could bring, with destinations potentially facing temporary closures because of excessive heat, flooding and storms unless more is done to curb emissions. 

And the tourism high season could shift from the current peak of of July and August to autumn, the research suggests.

The data collected from more than 85 million visits, from before the pandemic, to 170 of the charity’s sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland has led to the National Trust already making changes to adapt to the new coming climate. 

The conservation organisation said it was already taking steps to deal with a changing climate, from planting plants at Sissinghurst Castle, Kent, that are resilient to warmer conditions to planting trees at Lyme Park in Cheshire to protect car parks and the house from flooding.

The charity said it was also planting trees away from buildings and busy areas to reduce the impact of storms blowing trees over, and looking at creating shade for outdoor seating areas and to help buildings cope with heat.

But it called for the Government to take action to bring world leaders together at crucial Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow in November to limit global temperature rises and produce a credible, well-funded strategy to cut the UK’s emissions to zero overall, known as “net zero”.

National Trust head of climate and environment Lizzy Carlyle said: “What this data shows us is that we have a lot to do to prepare the UK tourist industry for the effects of climate change.

“Much of the debate around tourism and climate change to date has rightly focussed on international travel and the impact flights and foreign holidays is having.

“But what hasn’t been fully addressed is what the domestic tourism industry could be facing unless we take drastic action to reduce emissions.”

The industry could not tackle the challenges of climate change alone, she said, calling for Government action to avert the worst impacts of global warming.