Climate risk perception and adaptation of tourism sector in China

Understanding the perceptions of climate change by those working in tourism greatly supports development of adaptation measures in destinations. However, limited evidence of either perceptions or tourism adaptation measures is available from China. Building on protection motivation theory, this study explores how Chinese working in tourism perceive climate change and what their adaptation intentions are. The study demonstrates that the current level of climate risk perception is relatively high, and people feel informed. The results indicate that (1) Information plays an important role in risk and adaptation appraisals; (2) Individuals are more likely to take adaptation measures if they perceive greater climate risks and have higher adaptive capacity; (3) An increase in adaptive incentives would generally support an increase in adaptation appraisal; (4) Providing greater adaptive incentives will motivate tourism staff to take actions and implement adaptation measures. The findings have implications for adaptation policies and strategies in destinations.

Automated summary

Understanding the perceptions of climate change by those working in tourism is crucial for developing adaptation measures in destinations. This study in China based on protection motivation theory found that participants had relatively high climate risk perception and felt informed. The findings suggest that information, perception of climate risks, adaptive capacity, and adaptive incentives play key roles in shaping adaptation intentions among tourism professionals.