The impacts of weather on tourist travel

Abstract

Interest in the interactions between climate, weather and tourism has increased markedly in the last decade in response to climate change concerns; however, there is little empirical research on how tourists respond to the weather conditions they encounter. Thus, in this paper, we examine the impact of the weather on a sample of international tourists visiting New Zealand during the 2009–10 summer season. Based on weather-related changes made to tourists’ travel routes, the timing of their travel and activity participation while in New Zealand, respondents were segmented into three groups: those with ‘no travel changes’ during their trip, those with ‘some travel changes’ and those with ‘substantial travel changes’ to their trip. The results show a generally high level of changes made to trips, particularly in the less settled early summer season, and an interesting link with satisfaction. The research provides an empirical basis for a framework that would facilitate further research into the adaptive capacity of tourists towards climate variability and change.