Hospitality sector must accelerate response to climate change: report offers actionable guidance
The Dutch hospitality sector faces major challenges due to the changing climate. The report published today, Together Future-Proof – Climate Adaptation in the Dutch Hospitality Sector, shows that many entrepreneurs are aware of the impact of climate change, but there is still much to gain in taking concrete measures. Collaboration with governments is urgently needed. The report offers five practical guidelines.
Entrepreneurs are willing, but lack clear frameworks
Many entrepreneurs currently respond mainly to extreme weather events they experience themselves. That is a good first step, but insufficient to be prepared for future, potentially more severe situations. The report emphasizes that entrepreneurs need clear information, actionable policies, practical support, and collaboration. Governments, industry associations, knowledge institutions, and entrepreneurs themselves all have a key role to play. Five actions bring this perspective to life.
Five actions for a future-proof tourism sector
The report identifies five crucial actions to accelerate climate adaptation in the hospitality sector:
- Prepare for climate change – Look beyond your own business and work together on regional solutions such as water drainage, greening, and energy supply.
- Make the impact tangible – Translate climate scenarios and stress tests into understandable local insights and financial risks.
- Make policy actionable – Develop regulations together with the sector and test them for practical feasibility.
- Engage entrepreneurs proactively – Actively bring knowledge and schemes to entrepreneurs through networks and inspiring examples.
- Encourage collaboration – Organize meetings and joint projects to accelerate knowledge sharing and action.
Collaboration in research
The report was prepared through a unique collaboration between NBTC, NHL Stenden, Breda University of Applied Sciences, University of Groningen, and Wageningen University & Research, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. It is part of the Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality (CELTH).
Eke Eijgelaar (BUas and CELTH) says about the research: “Climate change turns out to be profound for many entrepreneurs, and there is a need for all kinds of support in deciding on and taking measures. According to respondents, the government should play a role in this, which is currently not being fulfilled.”
Researcher Elena Cavagnaro (NHL Stenden) says about the report: “Attention to adaptation should not come at the expense of mitigation. The point is that if we forget mitigation, the consequences of climate change will become so severe that adaptation will be almost impossible or far too expensive, even for a wealthy country like the Netherlands. It is also important to keep in mind that climate does not respect borders.”
Researcher Tim Huiskes (University of Groningen) observed during the research: “Destinations hold many local experiences and ideas. Recording and sharing these can inspire others, help improve policy, and thus scale up and accelerate climate adaptation. As knowledge institutions, we are particularly well equipped to do this responsibly.”
Partners and project team
- Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions
- Wageningen University & Research
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- University of Groningen
Project team
Anke Arts (NHL Stenden / ETFI), Bas Amelung (WUR), Juan Carlos Blaauw (BUas), Elena Cavagnaro (NHL Stenden), Eke Eijgelaar (BUas/CSTT), Nathalie Frissen (NBTC), Marie Hartmann (NHL Stenden), Tim Huiskes (RUG), Albert Postma (NHL Stenden / ETFI) and Ewout Versloot (NBTC)
Downloads available
- Download the full report Klimaatadaptatie in de Nederlandse gastvrijheidssector.
- The collaboration between CELTH and NBTC has also resulted in a concise public version, available for download.