Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.32.4.4
How climate change will shape destination image: a preliminary study
Ana Isabel Rodrigues
; Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Department of Business Sciences; Integrated member at CiTUR Beja – Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, Beja
*
Nuno Pereira
; Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences; Researcher and Coordinator of the CIHs&DR – Center of Hyperspectral Image and Remote Sensing, IPBeja
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Purpose – Climate change is set to significantly transform the tourism industry, which is
particularly sensitive to variations in weather conditions. As global temperatures increase, the
attractiveness of certain destinations may shift, potentially affecting their perceived image and
competitive positioning. This study presents an exploratory analysis of the relationship between
climate change, specifically rising temperatures, and destination image (DI), a critical component
of the tourism system.
Methodology/Design/Approach – The study focuses on the Mediterranean region, one of the regions
most affected by climate change, where four major tourism destinations are found: Portugal, Spain,
Italy, and Greece. The Climate Index for Tourism (CIT) is applied to assess the relationship between
climate conditions and tourism suitability quantitatively. Datasets of climate projections up to 2100
were obtained from the Copernicus Climate Data Store and post-processed with Python scripts.
Findings – Results reveal substantial shifts in the distribution of CIT-rated days (Fair, Good, and
Unfavourable) from May to October. These changes likely impact tourists’ perceptions and the
image of the studied destinations.
Originality of the research – This paper establishes a connection between climate science and
tourism marketing by incorporating climate projections within the examination of DI.
Keywords
Destination image; Climate change; Climate index for tourism; Copernicus climate data store
Hrčak ID:
349109
URI
Publication date:
10.7.2026.
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