OBSERVER: Copernicus for sustainable tourism

How does Copernicus support tourism? Copernicus’ advanced Earth Observation capabilities produce data and information that provide details on the state of our environment that tourist activities are based on. The good news? Copernicus data and information is full, free and open to all!

Why is Earth Observation important for tourism in a changing world?

Earth Observation is critical for determining the state of the climate and marine, land or atmospheric environments. These factors are important considerations when deciding where to holiday. Would you go skiing in the Alps if there were poor snow conditions or visit a beach if there was a large algal bloom? Even if we do not realise it, environmental data and information are always drawn upon to assess what type of location to holiday at and what tourist activities to engage in. Moreover, the effects of climate change are profoundly transforming the nature and state of the world’s landscapes. Such transformation will undoubtedly affect the ebb and flow of tourism and the industry that depends on it. As Carlo Buontempo, Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), affirms “It is clear that having an environment where you feel comfortable affects the likelihood of you travelling there”.  

How does Copernicus help tourists and the tourist industry plan safe and sustainable vacations?

The Copernicus component of the EU Space programme actively supports tourists and the tourism industry by providing useful applications which serve assess and plan seasonal activities. Whether it be snow, sun, pollution, rain or fire, tourists can make use of climate impact and environmental indicators when deciding where to go on holiday. Copernicus data and information also helps the tourism industry adapt their business decisions and strategy on a seasonal and multi-decadal time-scale. The ability to foresee such changes allows industry players — particularly those operating in regions in which tourism is an important sector for the economy — to make smarter investment and marketing decisions. What is more, Copernicus data and information supports the implementation of environmental monitoring services that help public authorities protect the fragile natural areas popular amongst tourists.

C3S has developed a suite of products that serve as climate impact indicators based on the analysis of Copernicus data and information.  These indicators cover different timescales, including from the past, in the short-term and the long-term.

The Climate Suitability for Tourism indicators are a set of bioclimatic indicators taking into account temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, wind and humidity assessing how suitable weather and climate conditions are for touristic activities. The Climate Index for Tourism (CIT) focuses on urban tourism compared to the Holiday Climate Index (HCI) which specialises in beach tourism. A dedicated Climate Suitability for Tourism app will be published soon!

The Mountain Tourism Meteorology and Snow Indicators (MTMSI) provide pan-European information relevant to snow reliability and consequently, the operating conditions of ski resorts to inform future climate conditions based on the past. The MTMSI also supports assessing future Mountain Tourism Meteorological and Snow conditions for regions across Europe to enable the definition of a long-term tourism strategy. The MTMSI provides 39 indicators outlining atmospheric and snow conditions whilst also taking snow management (e.g. snowmaking) into account.

The Fire Weather Index (FWI)— is used worldwide to estimate fire danger. Components such as the effects of fuel moisture and wind are used to calculate the index. The higher the FWI is, the more favourable the meteorological conditions to trigger a wildfire are.

Data users are able to directly access the relevant tourism climate impact indicators through the Climate Data Store (CDS), whilst the toolbox applications provide users the opportunity to explore the tourism datasets. The Copernicus data policy promotes the access, use and sharing of Copernicus information and data on a full, free and open basis.

Other Copernicus services also deliver information relevant to tourism-related applications. Examples of such applications are:

• The Marine Environment Monitoring Services product portfolio includes several products related to water quality, while its salinity, currents, temperature and bio-geophysical forecasts can inform predictions of sargassum (harmful algae) blooms, jellyfish infestations etc.
• The Atmosphere Monitoring Service UV forecasting products are feeding into apps who warn beach goers about sunburn risks and contribute to reducing risks of skin cancers, or monitors air quality to provide warnings to practitioners of outdoor sports or support conservation of cultural heritage sites against acid rains.
• The Land Monitoring Service provides geospatial information on protected natural areas, e.g. riparian (in the vicinity of rivers) zones, Natura 2000 sites, while a new “Snow and Ice” high resolution near real time product line ca   n be used by ski resorts and planners to optimise management and development activities.

Use Cases of Copernicus for Tourism

Greentours in Greece

Crete has been identified as one of the many climate change hot spots in Europe. The main challenge associated with this is the increased risk of fire brought by drought and unseasonal weather. Higher temperatures make for dryer vegetation which leads to an increased risk of forest fires. The natural hazard and impact that this can wield on the environment and ecology of Crete would be devastating to the local tourist economy. In this case, tourism organisations can use the FWI to understand which regions of Crete are more likely to be impacted. Thanks to this application, companies can aim to improve their seasonal operational planning and long-term strategies . Also, public authorities are supported in conserving natural heritage.

Croatian Camping Union

As part of south-eastern Europe, Croatia is also considered a climate change hot spot. Much like in Crete, climate change presents increased fire risk in the future due to increased fuel dryness as a result of higher temperatures and lower rainfall. The dramatic changes forest fires can bring upon the natural environment are strongly impacting the Croatian Camping Union’s activities. The interest of the Croatian Camping Union in C3S is twofold. On one hand, the seasonal forecasts of fire danger support its decision-making on the location and management of camping sites. On the other, future fire danger projections enable the planning of longer-term strategy and activities.

Swiss Cable Cars

Cable cars in mountainous terrain, such as ski resorts, are highly affected by weather and climate. Rising temperatures will shorten winter sport seasons and threaten the viability of some ski resorts, especially those at low altitudes. Variable snowfall, retreating glaciers and milder winters have already reduced visitor numbers in winter sport areas. Linking MTMSI climate information (temperature and snow depth area) and economic data (e.g. skier days) helps to better understand the sensitivity and vulnerability of tourism to weather and climate. Furthermore, climate change projections, in particular impacts on snow conditions, are essential for medium and long-term strategic planning.

Tourists and the tourism industry significantly rely on important Earth Observation data and information and the Copernicus provides fundamental inputs under a full, free and open access to the data. Currently, there are a number of Copernicus products and services that support everyday uses for tourism, and as our world and climate changes, these applications are evolving as well!

*The third edition of the CASSINI Hackathons will explore how the components of the EU Space programme, with Copernicus primus inter pares, can reinvigorate and transform the current approaches to tourism. In this edition, problem-solvers from all over Europe will be challenged to develop ideas that support sustainable travel, enhance the experience in local cities and cultures, and promote thoughtful exploration of Europe’s nature. Participants can also be part of this exciting European initiative to promote EU Space technology and its many applications, as they will “hack with a purpose” and leverage EU Space data, services, and signals to strengthen and shape the tourism industry of tomorrow! More information can be found at hackathons.cassini.eu