Summary of Key Points
This year, Europe has experienced a rare heatwave, with temperatures in countries such as France, Germany, and the UK breaking records. Since most residential homes and historical buildings in Europe do not have air conditioning (either because it was not considered necessary due to cooler weather in previous years or because the cost of installation and approval for renovation of historic buildings is high), there has been a sharp decline in tourist numbers, and some attractions have had to close temporarily. Tourism operators are quickly adapting their itineraries (such as conducting outdoor activities in the early morning and evening, and organizing indoor activities at noon, as well as offering "air-conditioned tour groups"). At the same time, air conditioners are selling out, and the business of bubble tea shops has seen a slight increase. Although there is a peak in bookings for summer tours to Europe, it remains uncertain whether the high temperatures will lead to cancellations or changes in travel plans, and the industry is actively responding to these challenges.
Why Is the Heatwave in Europe So Difficult to Handle? The Lack of Air Conditioning Is the Key Problem
Europeans typically do not install air conditioning for two practical reasons:
1. It hasn't been that hot in previous years: In places like Paris, summers used to be only slightly warm at noon, and electric fans were sufficient for cooling. Arthur's portable air conditioner was only used for about a week each year.
2. Installation is difficult: Many historic buildings in Europe, especially in France, have complex approval processes for installing air conditioning systems to avoid damaging their architectural style, which means that most residential homes and even some museums do not have air conditioning.
This year, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, areas without air conditioning have become almost unbearably hot. Arthur had to rely on a portable air conditioner and fans to cope, while ordinary households are simply forced to endure the heat.
The Tourism Industry Is Suffering: Fewer Visitors, Closed Attractions
The heatwave has a direct impact on tourism in Europe:
- A sharp drop in tourist numbers: Yang, who works as both a driver and a tour guide, says that the number of Chinese tourists has halved (and some have been diverted to the United States and Canada due to the World Cup). Arthur also noticed a significant decrease in visitors.
- Attractions are closing temporarily: Many historical sites and museums are closed because they do not have air conditioning, and there are concerns about tourists suffering from heatstroke. For example, the Louvre announced that some exhibition halls would be closed temporarily due to the high temperatures (although the main reason is ongoing renovations). Other attractions have also closed early or suspended operations.
Even bubble tea shops have been affected: Wang Dawei's Parisian bubble tea shop has seen a increase in business compared to last season, but not by much, as fewer people are going out and there are fewer tourists overall.
Tourism Operators' Adaptations: Changing Itineraries and Offering Special Tour Packages
To attract visitors, tourism operators are coming up with various strategies:
- Adjusting travel times: Guide Cao in the UK is moving outdoor activities to the early morning and evening when temperatures are lower, and arranging indoor activities at noon. Spring and autumn tours also reduce outdoor activities during the hottest periods and replace them with indoor ones.
- **Offering "air-conditioned tour packages": Arthur has started offering small-group tours by car, where air conditioning is available in the vehicle, allowing tourists to spend most of their time inside and quickly visit landmark buildings. In the afternoon, they go to places with air conditioning (such as shopping malls or museums with air conditioning) and may even arrange to watch the World Cup.
- Providing emergency support: Spring and autumn tours include medical emergency services to prevent heatstroke for tourists.
What Has the Heatwave Led To? Air Conditioners Are Selling Out, and Summer Retreats Are Becoming Popular
The heatwave has also created some unexpected demand:
- Air conditioners are in high demand: Air conditioners in supermarkets and shopping malls in Paris have sold out, with only a few remaining at higher prices (while ordinary portable air conditioners may cost just a few dozen euros). Office buildings and shopping malls with air conditioning have become popular retreats for locals.
- Indoor venues are more popular: Museums, shopping malls, and bubble tea shops with air conditioning (although business is not booming) are becoming more attractive places for people to visit. Even watching the World Cup requires finding locations with air conditioning.
Summer Tours to Europe: A Peak in Bookings, but Uncertainty About Costs
Summer is usually a peak season for tours to Europe, but this year there is some uncertainty:
- Many bookings were made in advance: Many tours were booked several months ago when the heatwave had not yet started, so there is still a peak in summer bookings.
- Risks of cancellations or changes: Wei Changren from Jinlv.com says whether there will be cancellations or changes depends on how long the high temperatures persist and how well tourism companies adapt to the situation.
- Higher costs: Summer tours to Europe are already expensive, and additional expenses for accommodating the heatwave (such as air-conditioned tour packages) may further increase the cost.
In summary, this summer's European tours have changed from focusing on visiting attractions during the day to involving early morning and evening activities while avoiding the heat at noon.
Finally, it is recommended that people with underlying health issues or the elderly avoid the high temperatures and wait until the weather cools down. If you plan to visit Europe this summer, make sure to inquire in advance about any itinerary adjustments and emergency measures taken by the tourism companies.