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Last updated 7 May 2026

Tourism and disaster risk reduction

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Rain on Galata Bridge in Istanbul and people walking
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Introduction

Tourism, being one of the most climate-sensitive economic sectors, is frequently disrupted by a wide range of hazards. Small island developing states, coastal destinations and mountain or ski regions are particularly vulnerable, as tourism often accounts for a significant share of GDP and employment. At the same time, tourism systems can build resilience when disaster risk is actively managed.

This is a centralized resource for policymakers, practitioners and researchers seeking to understand and reduce disaster risk in tourism systems. It highlights the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation into tourism planning, investment and operations.

Users will find a wide range of content, including:

  • Research and reports analysing risk trends, climate impacts and sector vulnerabilities;
  • Policy guidance and strategies for building resilient and sustainable tourism systems;
  • Case studies showcasing practical approaches to preparedness, response and recovery in tourism destinations;
  • News and insights on emerging risks, events and innovations affecting the sector.

By consolidating evidence and practice from across regions, this page supports more risk-informed decision-making and promotes resilient recovery pathways for tourism-dependent communities.

Knowledge base

Research briefs
Devastating landslides have hit Milford Sound in the past – if it happened today, the impact would dwarf Whakaari/White Island

The 2019 volcanic explosion on Whakaari, which killed 22 people is one of New Zealand’s worst disasters. But an even more devastating catastrophe could happen at one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism destinations, Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.

Conversation Media Group, the
Houses in Rodanthe, NC, are left in the waves at the ocean's edge following the passage of Hurricane Isabel
Update
This Outer Banks resort centered the environment from the start, and it paid off

The Corolla Light Resort was built with care to preserve its unique environment. That forward-thinking allowed the property to weather environmental impacts better than those around it and continue prioritizing sustainability for decades.

Triple Pundit
Research briefs
New study assesses wildfire risk from standing dead trees in Yellowstone National Park

Standing dead trees in Yellowstone National Park are growing wildfire hazards, especially near park infrastructure. A new study published in Forest Ecosystems explores how these dead trees contribute to fire risk and threaten roads, buildings, and trails.

Tsinghua University
Wat Hong Thong located in a mangrove forest area , a temple on the sea , Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao ,Thailand
Update
Six strategies to safeguard tourism and health systems from climate change

Rising temperatures and extreme weather threaten tourism livelihoods and economic stability in the Asia-Pacific. Climate-resilient policies, partnerships, and health-focused systems are vital to mitigating these impacts and sustaining growth.

Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Storm approaching an empty beach with a lifeguard on duty
Update
What climate change means for tourism

Hurricanes, rising sea levels and other climate-fueled hazards are wreaking havoc on tourism-dependent communities around the world.

North Carolina State University (NCSU)
Update
Grand Canyon hiker deaths rise amid intense heat, flash floods

Multiple hikers have died this summer in the Grand Canyon National Park — a U.S. West landscape known not only for its rugged beauty, but also for its perilous weather extremes.

The Hill
Update
Is it time for Greece to change its tourism model?

Popular destinations in Greece struggle to cope with a tourism surge as climate change strains resources.

Context
Tourists enjoying the view at Grand Canyon Skywalk observation point at Grand Canyon West Rim in a sunny day, Arizona, USA
Update
Climate justice is a critical issue for the tourism industry

Climate change poses increasing and severe risks to tourism businesses. Beach holidays are threatened by rising sea levels, ski resorts can no longer depend on snowfall and some tourism businesses risk becoming uninsurable.

Conversation Media Group, the
Update
Extreme heat poses ‘real risk’ to Spain’s mass tourism industry

Public health adviser says higher temperatures caused by climate crisis pose danger for visitors not used to them

Guardian, the (UK)
Update
How safe is volcano tourism?

Not only do volcanologists now have the ability to predict the likelihood of activity in advance, but important collaborations between scientists and local officials mean that many places, have systems in place to convey early warnings.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)