IELTS Reading Practice: Impact of Climate Change on the Tourism Industry

Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on the impact of climate change on the tourism industry. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve prepared a comprehensive practice test that closely mirrors the actual IELTS Reading exam. This practice will help you sharpen your skills and familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may encounter in the real test.

Climate change impact on tourism

Introduction

The tourism industry is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable to climate change. This practice test will explore various aspects of how climate change affects tourism, from coastal erosion to shifting travel patterns. Let’s dive into the passages and questions to enhance your reading comprehension and test-taking strategies.

Passage 1 – Easy Text

The Changing Face of Tourism

Climate change is reshaping the global tourism landscape in unprecedented ways. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting precipitation patterns are altering the attractiveness of many popular destinations. Coastal areas, in particular, are facing significant challenges due to sea-level rise and increased storm intensity.

For instance, beach erosion is becoming a critical issue for many tropical island destinations. The Maldives, a nation comprised of low-lying islands in the Indian Ocean, is at risk of losing substantial portions of its landmass to the sea. This threat not only endangers the local population but also jeopardizes the country’s tourism-dependent economy.

Similarly, ski resorts are grappling with reduced snowfall and shorter winter seasons. In the Alps, some lower-altitude ski areas are already experiencing difficulties in maintaining reliable snow cover throughout the traditional ski season. This has led to increased investment in artificial snow-making technology, which itself raises questions about water usage and energy consumption.

The impact of climate change extends beyond physical changes to destinations. It’s also influencing traveler behavior and preferences. Eco-conscious tourism is on the rise, with more travelers seeking out sustainable travel options and destinations that prioritize environmental conservation.

Governments and tourism operators are beginning to adapt to these changes. Many are investing in climate resilience measures, such as coastal protection infrastructure and diversification of tourism offerings. Others are focusing on developing year-round attractions to reduce dependence on seasonal tourism.

As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the tourism industry will need to continue evolving. This may involve rethinking traditional tourism models, embracing new technologies, and working closely with local communities to ensure sustainable development that benefits both visitors and residents.

Questions 1-5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. Climate change is only affecting coastal tourism destinations.
2. The Maldives is at risk of losing land due to rising sea levels.
3. All ski resorts in the Alps are closing due to lack of snow.
4. Eco-conscious tourism is becoming more popular among travelers.
5. The tourism industry is refusing to adapt to climate change.

Questions 6-10

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

6. Beach ___ is a major problem for many tropical island destinations.
7. Some ski resorts are investing in technology to compensate for reduced snowfall.
8. Many governments are investing in measures to protect coastal areas.
9. The tourism industry may need to rethink models as climate change progresses.
10. Sustainable tourism development should benefit both and .

Passage 2 – Medium Text

Adapting to Change: Tourism in a Warming World

The global tourism industry is facing an unprecedented challenge in the form of climate change. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, destinations worldwide are grappling with the need to adapt their offerings and infrastructure to remain viable in a changing environment. This transformation is not just about preserving natural attractions but also about ensuring the economic sustainability of communities that rely heavily on tourism.

One of the most visible impacts of climate change on tourism is the altered geography of traditionally popular destinations. Coastal regions, for instance, are experiencing accelerated erosion due to rising sea levels and increased storm intensity. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, one of the world’s premier marine tourism destinations, has suffered multiple mass coral bleaching events in recent years due to warming ocean temperatures. These events not only diminish the reef’s spectacular beauty but also threaten the rich biodiversity that attracts millions of visitors annually.

Mountain regions, particularly those known for winter sports, are also facing significant challenges. Reduced snowfall and shorter winters are forcing ski resorts to adapt their business models. Some are investing heavily in artificial snow-making equipment, while others are diversifying their offerings to include year-round activities such as mountain biking and hiking. In the European Alps, for example, many resorts now promote themselves as wellness retreats or adventure sports destinations during the summer months.

The impact of climate change on tourism extends beyond physical changes to destinations. It’s also influencing traveler behavior and preferences. There’s a growing trend towards eco-conscious travel, with more tourists seeking out sustainable options and destinations that prioritize environmental conservation. This shift is driving innovation in the tourism sector, with the emergence of eco-lodges, carbon-neutral tours, and experiences that contribute positively to local ecosystems and communities.

However, adapting to climate change presents significant challenges for the tourism industry. Many popular destinations lack the resources or infrastructure to implement large-scale adaptation measures. Small island developing states, which often rely heavily on tourism for their economic survival, are particularly vulnerable. These nations face the dual threat of losing their attractiveness as tourist destinations due to environmental degradation while also grappling with the existential threat of rising sea levels.

The tourism industry’s response to climate change is not just about adaptation; it’s also about mitigation. Many tourism businesses are working to reduce their carbon footprint through measures such as energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction. Some tour operators are even incorporating carbon offsetting into their packages, allowing travelers to compensate for the emissions associated with their trips.

Governments and international organizations are also playing a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in a changing climate. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been at the forefront of efforts to promote sustainable tourism development. Their initiatives include providing guidance on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for the tourism sector.

As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the tourism industry will need to continue evolving. This may involve rethinking traditional tourism models, embracing new technologies, and working closely with local communities to ensure sustainable development. The challenge is significant, but so too is the opportunity to create a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry for the future.

Questions 11-14

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

11. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as an impact of climate change on tourism?
    A) Coastal erosion
    B) Reduced snowfall in mountain regions
    C) Increased air travel costs
    D) Coral bleaching events

12. The passage suggests that ski resorts are adapting to climate change by:
    A) Closing down permanently
    B) Relocating to higher altitudes
    C) Diversifying their offerings to include non-winter activities
    D) Focusing exclusively on artificial snow production

13. The trend towards eco-conscious travel is described as:
    A) A minor concern for a small number of tourists
    B) A growing preference among travelers
    C) A marketing strategy with little real impact
    D) A government-mandated requirement

14. Small island developing states are described as particularly vulnerable because:
    A) They have the most diverse ecosystems
    B) They receive the most tourists annually
    C) They face both economic and existential threats from climate change
    D) They have the least developed tourism infrastructure

Questions 15-20

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Climate change is having a significant impact on the tourism industry worldwide. Popular destinations like the Great Barrier Reef are experiencing (15) , which affects their appeal to visitors. Mountain regions are dealing with (16) and shorter winters, forcing ski resorts to adapt. There’s a growing trend towards (17) , with tourists seeking sustainable options. However, many destinations lack the resources for large-scale (18) . The industry is also focusing on (19) , with businesses working to reduce their carbon footprint. The UNWTO is providing guidance on climate change strategies for the (20) ___.

Passage 3 – Hard Text

The Multifaceted Impact of Climate Change on Global Tourism

The intricate relationship between climate change and the global tourism industry is characterized by a complex web of causes and effects that span environmental, economic, and social dimensions. As one of the world’s largest economic sectors, tourism both contributes to and is significantly impacted by climate change, creating a feedback loop that necessitates urgent and comprehensive action from stakeholders across the industry.

The most immediate and visible impacts of climate change on tourism are manifested in the physical transformation of popular destinations. Coastal areas, which have long been the backbone of the global tourism industry, are facing existential threats from rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and accelerated erosion. The Maldives, an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean, exemplifies this vulnerability. With 80% of its 1,190 islands sitting less than one meter above sea level, the country faces the very real possibility of becoming largely uninhabitable within decades, jeopardizing not only its tourism-dependent economy but its very existence as a sovereign state.

Mountain regions, particularly those renowned for winter sports, are grappling with equally profound challenges. The Alps, home to some of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, are experiencing a marked reduction in reliable snow cover. A study published in the journal “Climatic Change” projects that under a high emissions scenario, snow cover duration in the Alps could decrease by 80-90% at elevations below 1000m by the end of the 21st century. This has far-reaching implications not just for the ski industry, but for the entire economic ecosystem of Alpine communities that have developed around winter tourism.

The impact of climate change extends beyond these obvious physical alterations to more subtle, yet equally significant, ecological disruptions. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s premier marine tourism destinations, has suffered multiple mass coral bleaching events in recent years due to rising ocean temperatures. A 2020 survey by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies found that the reef has lost more than half of its coral population since 1995, with climate change cited as the primary driver. This degradation not only diminishes the reef’s spectacular beauty but also threatens the rich biodiversity that underpins its appeal to millions of visitors annually.

The tourism industry’s vulnerability to climate change is further compounded by its reliance on stable and predictable weather patterns. Extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, can have devastating impacts on tourism infrastructure and disrupt travel patterns. The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, one of the most active on record, caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean, a region heavily dependent on tourism. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimated that the hurricanes resulted in a loss of 826,100 visitors to the Caribbean, equating to US$741 million in visitor spending.

However, the relationship between climate change and tourism is not unidirectional. The tourism industry itself is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. A study published in the journal “Nature Climate Change” estimated that tourism accounts for about 8% of global carbon emissions, with transportation, particularly air travel, being the largest contributor. This creates a paradoxical situation where the industry’s growth contributes to the very phenomenon that threatens its long-term viability.

In response to these challenges, the tourism industry is undergoing a paradigm shift towards more sustainable practices. This transformation is driven both by the need to adapt to changing environmental conditions and by evolving consumer preferences. A 2021 survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global travelers think sustainable travel is vital, with 61% saying the pandemic has made them want to travel more sustainably in the future.

This shift is manifesting in various ways across the industry. Many hotels and resorts are implementing comprehensive sustainability programs, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Tour operators are increasingly offering carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative travel options, often incorporating carbon offsetting into their packages. Destinations are also adapting, with some focusing on developing year-round attractions to reduce dependence on seasonally vulnerable activities.

The concept of “regenerative tourism” is gaining traction as a more holistic approach to sustainable travel. This model goes beyond merely minimizing negative impacts to actively contributing to the restoration and regeneration of destinations. For instance, the island nation of Palau has implemented a mandatory eco-pledge for all visitors, requiring them to promise to act in an environmentally responsible way during their stay.

Despite these positive developments, significant challenges remain. Many tourism-dependent regions, particularly in developing countries, lack the resources to implement large-scale adaptation measures. There’s also the risk of “maladaptation” – where short-term solutions may inadvertently increase long-term vulnerability. For example, the widespread use of air conditioning to combat rising temperatures in hotels increases energy consumption and, by extension, greenhouse gas emissions.

The way forward requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. Governments need to integrate climate considerations into tourism planning and development policies. The private sector must accelerate the transition to low-carbon operations and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. International organizations, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization, have a crucial role to play in facilitating knowledge sharing and providing technical assistance to vulnerable destinations.

Ultimately, the future of global tourism in the face of climate change will depend on the industry’s ability to reinvent itself. This reinvention must be rooted in sustainability, resilience, and a recognition of the industry’s responsibility to the environments and communities on which it depends. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the imperative for this transformation becomes not just an environmental or moral obligation, but an economic necessity.

Questions 21-26

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

21. According to the passage, what percentage of the Maldives’ islands are at risk due to rising sea levels?
    A) 100%
    B) 90%
    C) 80%
    D) 70%

22. The study mentioned in the passage projects that snow cover duration in the Alps could decrease by:
    A) 50-60% at elevations below 1000m
    B) 60-70% at elevations below 1000m
    C) 70-80% at elevations below 1000m
    D) 80-90% at elevations below 1000m

23. What percentage of global carbon emissions is attributed to tourism according to the study mentioned?
    A) 5%
    B) 8%
    C) 10%
    D) 12%

24. According to the Booking.com survey, what percentage of global travelers think sustainable travel is vital?
    A) 61%
    B) 73%
    C) 83%
    D) 93%

25. The concept of “regenerative tourism” is described as:
    A) Minimizing negative impacts of tourism
    B) Actively contributing to the restoration of destinations
    C) Promoting mass tourism
    D) Focusing solely on economic benefits

26. The passage suggests that the use of air conditioning in hotels is an example of:
    A) Successful adaptation to climate change
    B) Regenerative tourism
    C) Maladaptation
    D) Sustainable practice

Questions 27-33

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Climate change is having a profound impact on the global tourism industry. Coastal areas are threatened by (27) , while mountain regions are experiencing reduced (28) . The Great Barrier Reef has lost more than half of its (29) since 1995 due to climate change. Extreme weather events, such as the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, have caused significant (30) ___ in tourism-dependent regions.

The tourism industry itself contributes to climate change, accounting for about 8% of global (31) . In response, the industry is shifting towards more (32) . Some destinations are implementing measures such as mandatory (33) for visitors to promote responsible tourism.

Questions 34-40

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

34. All coastal tourism destinations will be underwater by the end of the century.
35. The ski industry in the Alps is the only sector affected by reduced snowfall in mountain regions.
36. The Great Barrier Reef has experienced multiple mass coral bleaching events in recent years.
37. The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season resulted in a loss of over 800,000 visitors to the Caribbean.
38. Air travel is the largest contributor to tourism-related carbon emissions.
39. All hotels and resorts have successfully implemented comprehensive sustainability programs.
40. The United Nations World Tourism Organization provides technical assistance to vulnerable destinations.

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. FALSE
6. erosion
7. artificial snow
8. coastal protection
9. traditional tourism
10. visitors and residents

Passage 2

11. C
12. C