Impact of Extreme Weather on Tourism in South Africa

Summary:
South Africa has recently experienced extreme weather events, including floods, an uncommon tornado, and mid-latitude cyclones, significantly impacting tourism. The KwaZulu-Natal province has been particularly hard hit, with the 2022 and 2024 floods causing extensive damage to holiday homes, beaches, and tourism infrastructure. The economic toll includes an estimated R7 billion in damages from the 2022 floods alone.
Climate change, driven by increased carbon emissions and rising global temperatures, has intensified these weather events. Coastal tourism suffers from sea storms, cyclones, heatwaves, and rising sea levels, while inland areas like Kruger National Park face droughts and floods. Ports and airports have also been disrupted, affecting cruise ships and flights.
To mitigate these impacts, tourism infrastructure needs to be strengthened and adapted to withstand extreme weather. Urban planning must consider maximum probable floods, and building codes need updating. Robust early warning systems and appropriate disaster insurance should be established to support tourism businesses in recovering from climate disasters.