Climate change, the enemy of tourism in Quintana Roo

Studies carried out in Cancun and the Riviera Maya show a very high coastal vulnerability and climatic changes are foreseen during the next 50 years that will affect the tourism sector, this was announced at a press conference by members of the Adaptation to Climate Change project. in Ecosystems with the Tourism Sector (ADAPTUR).

Only between 2000 and 2014 an annual loss for climatic damages of 1.4 to 14,700 billion dollars has been quantified, which represents 30% more than in the previous 20 years, due to changes in climate in the sector tourist.

Nashieli González Pacheco, a member of ADAPTUR, mentioned that these damages translate into significant economic impacts, such as an increase in the cost of operating companies, damage to infrastructure, natural and cultural attractions, and a reduction in tourist inflows.

The tourism sector is estimated to contribute at least 8.7% of GDP and represents 8.6 of the country's labor force.

Sun, beach, coral reefs, flora, fauna, and archaeological sites have been affected by climate change. The main threat to the tourist sector in Mexico is the increase in temperature that can lead to occurrences of river floods, mudslides due to hillside instability, drought and water scarcity, an increase in diseases transmitted by vectors.

The Mayan Riviera has been the most affected in Quintana Roo, the attractions, and ecosystem services at risk such as beaches, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, mangroves, archaeological sites, tourist infrastructure, and scenic beauty.

Finally, it was commented that the effects caused by the increase in temperature and the increase in the mean sea level will be more frequent and will cause damage to the population, ecosystems, infrastructure, and the development of economic activities, including tourism.