A few days after the storm's passage, coastal and urban areas still show the visible effects of the DANA, and clean-up and restoration work continues. 

A few days after the storm's passage, coastal and urban areas are still showing the visible effects of the DANA, and clean-up and restoration work continues. Local, regional and national authorities, together with a legion of volunteers from all over Spain, have taken immediate action to repair the damage, but have also understood the importance of taking long-term measures to reduce Valencia's vulnerability to these phenomena.

The impact of the DANA on Valencia's tourism industry demonstrates the urgency of strengthening resilience to climate change and adopting new adaptation strategies. The frequency of these phenomena makes it necessary to rethink infrastructure, tourism offerings, and how to manage economic activity during times of increased risk. Investments in resilient infrastructure, diversification of tourism offerings and training in emergency protocols are necessary steps to minimize the impact of future NADs and ensure that Valencia remains an attractive and safe destination.

The visit of the members of the Tourism and Society Think Tank to Valencia and to severely affected localities, such as Chiva, Paiporta and Algemesí, allowed them to observe firsthand the damage and the social and economic impact of the DANA in the area. The experts analyzed the consequences of this phenomenon on the tourism sector and discussed possible recovery and adaptation strategies to mitigate its effects in the future.

Direct Impact on the Tourism Industry

The DANA affects Valencia mainly in autumn, a time when the region still receives a considerable flow of tourists. Heavy rains, flooding and strong winds have a direct impact on tourism activity in several ways:

• Cancellation of reservations and delays: tourists, faced with adverse weather conditions, tend to cancel or postpone their trips. In addition, airports and train stations experience delays and cancellations, affecting both domestic and international travelers. This translates into significant losses for hotels, tour operators and local businesses.

• Damage to infrastructure: floods damage roads, bridges and public transportation networks, making access to tourist destinations difficult. The region faces a high economic cost not only because of the damage to infrastructure, but also because of the reduced accessibility of Valencia as a tourist destination.

• Impact on tourist attractions: Valencia is known for its beaches, natural parks and outdoor attractions, which are particularly vulnerable to these phenomena. Beaches often experience erosion and accumulate garbage and debris, which deteriorates their attractiveness and demands greater cleaning and restoration efforts.

• Damage to hotels and services: hotels, restaurants and businesses are affected by flooding, with loss of inventory and structural damage. These impacts not only generate additional cost, but also damage the tourist experience and ultimately affect the image of Valencia as a safe and reliable destination.

Each episode of DANA entails millions of dollars in losses for Valencia's tourism industry. Cancellations, temporary closures of services, and cleaning and repair expenses represent a significant cost for the private sector and also a financial burden for the government, which must allocate resources to restore public infrastructure. The short-term effects of the DANA are evident: tourists avoid the region during the rainy season, which negatively impacts the local economy and tourism-dependent jobs.

To cope with the effects of the DANA, local authorities and the tourism sector are adopting various strategies to reduce their vulnerability and improve their capacity to respond to these extreme events.

• Investment in resilient infrastructure: the construction of more efficient drainage systems, protective barriers in coastal areas and the renovation of infrastructure in vulnerable areas are essential measures. These investments help minimize damage and ensure faster recovery of affected tourist areas.

• Emergency planning and safety protocols: Implementing emergency plans specific to the tourism sector allows hotels and attractions to better manage episodes of DANA. These plans include staff training, the establishment of safe zones for visitors, and early warning systems to reduce risks.

• Development of an alternative tourism offer: Diversification of the offer is fundamental to mitigate losses during DANAs. Promoting activities in enclosed spaces, such as museums, galleries and gastronomic tours, helps to maintain tourist interest in adverse weather conditions.

• Off-season promotion: Encouraging tourism at times less prone to weather events such as DANA can reduce the impact of these storms on visitor arrivals. This not only decreases tourists' exposure to hazardous conditions, but also generates revenue on a more stable basis throughout the year.

Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of DANAs in the Mediterranean area, and this scenario poses a considerable challenge for Valencia's tourism industry. The need to adapt to this climatic reality is imperative to maintain the sustainability and attractiveness of the destination. Active collaboration between local authorities, the private sector and the scientific community is crucial to develop effective long-term mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The Tourism and Society Think Tank deeply regrets the impact of the DANA in Valencia, which has left a mark of destruction on the lives of its citizens. This tragedy, marked by torrential rains and mud, is a reminder of the urgent need for the tourism sector to innovate and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Collaboration between authorities, businesses and society will be essential to mitigate the effects of future extreme events and preserve Valencia as a sustainable, resilient and attractive tourist destination. In this process, it is crucial that citizens take an active part in the development of this industry, ensuring that together we face the challenges of an increasingly uncertain climate.

Author: TSTT Research Working Group