Coolcation: When escaping the heat becomes climate action

The summer of 2023 left an indelible mark: temperature records shattered, extreme droughts and the palpable sense that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but an everyday reality. Against this backdrop, one statistic stands out: searches for cooler destinations soared by 237% this summer. Are we witnessing a new form of tourism, driven by the need to escape the extreme heat? And how can this seemingly trivial phenomenon become a tool for climate action?

Experts predict that 2026 will be one of the hottest years on record. Against this backdrop, the search for ‘coolcations’ – holidays in cooler destinations – is emerging as a growing trend. But beyond simply escaping the heat, this trend presents an opportunity to rethink tourism from a regenerative perspective.

The key lies in transforming this search for relief from the heat into an opportunity to reconnect with nature, support local communities and promote sustainable practices. Catalonia, with its diversity of microclimates and landscapes, has enormous potential to position itself as a destination for regenerative ‘coolcations’. It is not simply a matter of offering alternatives to overcrowded beaches, but of designing experiences that contribute to the restoration of ecosystems and the strengthening of the local economy.

What the data shows:

• The Barcelona metropolitan area recorded a temperature of 15.1°C today, whilst the Catalan Pyrenees recorded 7.6°C.
• The air quality index (AQI) is the same (134) in both areas, but the experience is radically different.
• A recent study shows that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mental health.

Climate planning: Beyond the carbon footprint

But for ‘coolcations’ to become a genuine tool for climate action, we need to go beyond simply offering cooler destinations. What is required is comprehensive climate planning that takes into account the specific risks facing each region and involves local communities in the decision-making process.

A recent study emphasises the importance of destinations identifying and addressing the climate-related risks that affect investment, connectivity and costs. This involves assessing the vulnerability of tourism infrastructure, the availability of water resources and the impact of climate change on biodiversity.

In this regard, the experience of Scotland, which has developed a Climate Action Plan at a local level, it can serve as a source of inspiration. This plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase climate resilience and promote more sustainable tourism.

UNESCO: A beacon for regenerative tourism

UNESCO-designated sites provide an ideal framework for integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable development. These sites, recognised for their exceptional value to humanity, encompass a wide range of landscapes and approaches, from World Heritage Sites to Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks.

A UNESCO report It highlights how more than 2,260 designated sites cover over 13 million square kilometres and support some 900 million people. These sites demonstrate how communities and nature can grow, adapt and thrive together over the centuries.

These areas, managed to safeguard their natural, cultural and scientific beauty, can serve as catalysts for a form of tourism that benefits local communities and the environment. The key lies in encouraging community involvement in tourism management, ensuring that the economic benefits are reinvested in the conservation of natural and cultural resources.

The missing metric: Community well-being

Regenerative tourism must go beyond simply reducing its carbon footprint. It must aim to have a positive impact on local communities, strengthening their economy, preserving their culture and improving their quality of life.

A key indicator in this regard is community well-being. How does tourism contribute to improving health, education, housing and access to basic services in local communities? How does it strengthen their cultural identity and capacity for self-governance? These are fundamental questions that should guide the design and implementation of tourism policies.

Regenebike, for example, measures the impact of its routes on the local economy by tracking revenue retained locally, support for cooperatives and the creation of fair jobs. It also assesses participatory governance, ensuring that communities have a say in the management of tourism.

Ultimately, climate action in tourism is not limited to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It involves transforming the tourism model by adopting a regenerative approach that benefits both the environment and local communities.

Start this week: find out which organisations in your local area are working on ecological restoration projects and see how you can support them with your time or resources.

The heat is intense, but the opportunity to take action is even greater.