A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of climate change on the Xiamen tourism industry

ABSTRACT

Purpose - Climate change is most apparent through the increased severity and frequency of extreme events. Tourism as an activity is particularly sensitive. This paper aims to investigate the impact that climate change has on Xiamen tourism through a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of questionnaire responses. Design/methodology/approach - A fuzzy classification system of tourism factors most sensitive to climate change was built on the basis of an analytical hierarchical process. Findings A - "relatively strong" association grade of the impacts of climate change on tourism was observed. Through fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the method used has allowed for clear classification of the aspects of tourism, through its development, which are more vulnerable to climate change. The results acquired here can serve as reference material for stakeholders on implementing risk assessments, deepening the understanding of how climate change affects tourism and coordinate the interests of different parties through the achievement of focused development and realize the optimum, long-term and sustainable exploitation of tourism resources. Originality/value - The sensitivity of a variety of tourist sectors within Xiamen was assessed and represents the newest pre-COVID-19 opinions concerning the effect of climate change on tourism. Additionally, the data used in this study was also collected before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and will serve as an important marker to track how expert opinions of the effects of climate change on tourism change over time.