Studies carried out in Cancun and the Riviera Maya show a very high coastal vulnerability, and the climatic changes foreseen for the next 50 years apparently will affect the tourism sector, this was announced on January 29th, at a press conference by members of the Adaptation to Climate Change based in Ecosystems with the Tourism Sector (Adaptación al Cambio Climático basada en Ecosistemas con el Sector Turismo: ADAPTUR).
The ADAPTUR pointed out that, between the years 2000 and 2014, an annual loss for climatic damages of 1.4 to 14.7 billion dollars was registered, which represents 30% more than in the previous 20 years, due to changes in climate that have greatly affected the tourism sector, not only in Quintana Roo but elsewhere in Mexico too.
Nashieli González Pacheco, a member of ADAPTUR, mentioned that these damages translate into significant economic impacts, such as an increase in the cost of operation for companies, damage to infrastructure, deterioration of 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 river floods, mudslides due to hillside instability, drought and water scarcity, or an increase in diseases transmitted by vectors.
Quintana Roo’s Riviera Maya has been one of the most affected tourist areas in Mexico, and all its natural and cultural attractions and ecosystem are at risk, such as beaches, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, mangroves, archaeological sites, tourist resorts, and scenic beauty.
Finally, it was said that the effects caused by the increase in temperature and sea level will be more frequent and will cause damage to the population, ecosystems,tourism infrastructure and economic activities in coastal cities not only in Mexico, but in other countries as well.
TYT Newsroom with information from laverdadnoticias.com
