Transforming Tourism: Climate-Smart Solutions for MENA's Future

The World Bank's report highlights the critical need for sustainable and climate-smart tourism in MENA, emphasizing strategies for Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco to adapt to climate change, drive regional development, and build better data infrastructure.

In a comprehensive new report titled "Transitioning Towards Sustainable and Climate-Smart Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Recommendations for the Tourism Sectors in Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco," the World Bank sheds light on the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices in the region. The report emphasizes how climate change is posing significant threats to the tourism industry, which is a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and diversification in MENA countries.

The Vital Role of Tourism in MENA

Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa is more than just a vacation industry; it’s a lifeline for many economies. In 2019, tourism contributed 8.5 percent to Egypt’s GDP, 7 percent to Lebanon’s GDP, and 7.8 percent to Morocco’s GDP. It also generates substantial employment, supporting thousands of jobs directly and indirectly related to the sector. However, this pivotal industry faces severe risks from climate change, necessitating immediate and strategic actions to ensure its sustainability and resilience.

Climate Change: A Dire Threat

Climate change is gradually degrading the region’s invaluable natural and cultural assets, which are central to its tourism appeal. Rising temperatures, water shortages, sea level rise, and coastal erosion are just a few of the challenges highlighted in the report. For example, Egypt’s Alexandria faces a significant increase in exposure to coastal flooding, which could severely impact its tourism infrastructure. In Lebanon, the reduction in snow days threatens the viability of winter tourism, while increased forest fires jeopardize its eco-tourism sector. Morocco’s coastal areas, vital for tourism, are at risk due to sea level rise and erosion.

The report also warns of significant job losses within the tourism sector if adaptive measures are not implemented. The hospitality sector, in particular, could see a decline in employment ranging from 12.5 percent to 36.7 percent across Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco. These potential losses underscore the urgent need for strategies that protect and adapt the labor market to the changing climate.

Strategies for a Sustainable Future

The transition to climate-smart and sustainable tourism is not just necessary for preserving GDP contributions but also for unlocking new economic opportunities. The report outlines several recommendations to achieve this transformation:

Adapt to Climate Change Impacts: Implementing climate adaptation measures is crucial to ensure the long-term viability of the tourism industry. This includes sustainable water management, protecting coastal areas from erosion, and promoting renewable energy.

Use Tourism as an Anchor for Inclusive Development: Tourism can drive regional development and economic diversification, particularly in underserved areas. By increasing tourism demand in alternative destinations, countries can generate employment and improve local livelihoods. For example, Egypt could see a significant increase in jobs in the accommodation, food, and entertainment sectors with a 10 percent rise in tourism demand in regions like Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan.

Build Better Data Infrastructure: Improving data collection and sharing is essential for informed decision-making and enhancing resilience in the tourism sector. This involves developing robust statistical platforms to monitor environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Country-Specific Recommendations

Each country in the report has tailored strategies to address its unique challenges and leverage its strengths:

Egypt: Focus on sustainable water management, protecting coastal areas, and promoting renewable energy in tourism operations.

Lebanon: Address vulnerabilities in winter tourism due to decreasing snow days, protect forests from fires, and improve resource management.

Morocco: Mitigate the impacts of sea level rise on coastal tourism, promote energy efficiency in accommodations, and develop alternative tourism destinations to reduce pressure on major sites.

The Road Ahead

The World Bank’s report underscores the urgent need for MENA countries to adopt sustainable and climate-smart tourism practices. These measures will protect their economic, cultural, and natural assets from the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of their tourism sectors. By embracing these recommendations, MENA countries can not only safeguard their tourism industries but also contribute to broader economic and social development goals.