Asia redefines tourism amid extreme heat

Asia redefines tourism amid extreme heat

24-08-25

The growing urgency of climate change is reshaping tourist destinations on a global scale. This summer, record-breaking heat waves, wildfires, and suffocating humidity have made traditional summer destinations lose much of their appeal. Iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens and the Eiffel Tower in Paris were even forced to close temporarily, while northern European regions reported an increase in demand of over 5% during summer and early autumn, compared with losses of nearly 10% in the south of the continent, according to a European Commission study. The tourism industry has reached a tipping point: “coolcations”—trips to cooler, more temperate destinations—are on the rise.

This phenomenon is also affecting the Far East. For example, Tokyo Disney Resort has seen a drop in attendance due to dangerously high temperatures, while U.S. theme park operator Six Flags reported losses of nearly 100 million dollars in the second quarter as a result of extreme weather. In contrast, traditionally cold regions such as Antarctica, Norway, or Iceland are gaining popularity as cool refuges for travelers seeking relief from the heat.

In Asia, two examples stand out for their originality and effectiveness: Sapporo and Singapore.

In Sapporo, the largest city on the island of Hokkaidō, summers are much milder than in other parts of Japan. Public spaces there make use of snow stored from the winter months to power air conditioning systems and cool parks and shopping centers. This innovative strategy, which cleverly harnesses natural resources, has turned the city into an increasingly attractive destination for those fleeing the scorching summer heat.

Singapore, by contrast, offers a very different urban solution. At the iconic Gardens by the Bay, the famous “Supertrees” do more than beautify the skyline: these vertical structures, reaching up to 50 meters in height, serve as genuine environmental engines. Twelve of the 18 Supertrees are fitted with photovoltaic panels that capture solar energy. The structures also help ventilate the giant conservatories—such as the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest—by absorbing and releasing heat, while collecting rainwater for irrigation. The system achieves up to 30% in energy savings compared to conventional methods. At night, the Supertrees come alive with dazzling audiovisual light shows, creating a refreshing and sensory refuge in the middle of the urban heat.

These innovative examples highlight how tourism is evolving in the face of global warming: demand is no longer measured only by beauty or heritage, but increasingly by climate comfort and sustainability.

From Europe to Asia, diverse destinations such as Abu Dhabi—with its sustainable Masdar City that combines traditional wind tunnels with solar energy—Harbin—with its ice park transformed into a summer attraction through artificial snow technology—and Copenhagen—with its eco-friendly transport initiatives and creation of urban “cool islands”—are adopting their own strategies to remain attractive despite extreme heat.

This turn toward coolcations is not just a passing fad: it represents a profound transformation in traveler preferences. Tourists across generations, from millennials to baby boomers in North America, say that extreme heat is influencing their decisions. Many now prefer cooler, less crowded destinations with strong commitments to sustainability.

Clearly evident in the tourism sector—which already accounts for nearly 8% of global carbon emissions—this shift in priorities has broader implications: growing environmental awareness is motivating travelers to seek not only pleasant destinations but also responsible ones. In many cases, choosing a coolcation is a way to combine leisure with purpose.

Global tourism is reinventing itself. Destinations are incorporating creative climate solutions—whether through green infrastructure or innovative technologies—to offer fresh and sustainable experiences. And travelers are responding: climate comfort has become a decisive factor when planning their getaways.

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