PARIS—France fears climate change could erode its appeal as
the world’s top tourist destination, pointing to the risk of melting snow, water
shortages and disappearing beaches in a report published Wednesday.
Tourism makes up some six percent of France’s gross domestic
product thanks to its sunny coast, lavender fields, ski resorts and art-rich
cities, but the government report said global warming could change that.
"What kind of tourism can a seaside resort expect that loses
its beach? And how much pressure from tourism can a resort that keeps its beach
cope with?" said the report by the ministry of the economy’s tourism department,
which is based on expectations of a 3 to 4 Celsius (37.40F-39.20F) rise in
temperature to 2100.
A rise in sea levels is expected to exacerbate coastal erosion, which already
affects one-fifth of France’s tourist areas. Other traditional tourism hubs such
as France’s Alpine ski resorts are also likely to suffer. - Reuters
