Climate change & climate action These include, but are not limited to, climate change, overtourism, COVID-19, poaching, wildlife loss, safety, and security. Arguably, the biggest challenge that has become apparent in most destinations is climate change. Climate change is a major threat to tourism.

In 2026, the tourism industry faces a multi-layered set of threats that range from environmental to digital. Climate change is the most significant long-term threat, as extreme weather events (hurricanes, heatwaves, and wildfires) increasingly disrupt peak travel seasons and damage "at-risk" destinations like the Great Barrier Reef or the Maldives. Geopolitical instability remains a constant threat, as sudden conflicts or civil unrest can lead to immediate border closures and the "collapse" of tourism in entire regions. A rapidly emerging threat is cybercrime, with travelers becoming prime targets for sophisticated phishing and identity theft through public Wi-Fi and digital booking platforms. "Overtourism" is also a self-inflicted threat; as popular cities like Venice or Kyoto struggle with unsustainable visitor numbers, they implement taxes and restrictions that can degrade the "tourist experience" and alienate local populations. Finally, the industry is wary of economic volatility, as rising jet fuel prices and global inflation can quickly turn international travel from a "regular activity" into an "unaffordable luxury" for the middle class, leading to sharp downturns in demand for discretionary travel.