Fourth International Conference on Tourism and Leisure Studies

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most challenging problems facing the world today. Its consequences affect many communities and sectors, with the poor particularly vulnerable. One of the sectors that benefit the poor is tourism and the sector is impacted by global warming causing climate variability and change. This study examines the evidence and potential implications of climate variability and change on tourism in the Zambian town of Livingstone. A mixed methods case study design drew on forty years of historical meteorological data from the Zambia Meteorological Department (1976 to 2016), an online survey of tourists (n=369), key informant interviews, and remote-sensed data. The Geographical Information System (GIS) ArcView 10.5, Question-Pro Text Analysis and Microsoft Excel Toolpak were used to analyse the data. The research found evidence of climate variability and change in Livingstone, indicated by an increase in temperature, extreme rainfall patterns, a decline in rainfall, and a fluctuation in water flow levels at the Victoria Falls. The changes are a threat to wildlife and the Victoria Falls resort and may undermine future tourist operations and activities. It is recommended that Livingstone adopt green tourism, that tourism authorities proactively plan for climate change, and that further research be conducted on the impact of changes and variables on flora, fauna, and the Victoria Falls resort.