Florida’s days as the top U.S. vacation destination may be numbered, and Alaska, Montana and Wyoming may be tourist hotspots in 2050, research by a casino website says.
Rising temperatues and high humidity could make Florida uncomfortable for vacationers bound for Disney World and the state’s beaches, according to Casinos.us, a website that reviews casinos and provides gambling industry information to the public. The website says it is independent and not owned or operated by any casino or gambling business.
Global warming and rising seas may make vacations unappealing in other southern and coastal states, but tourism prospects are bright for Alaska, Montana and Wyoming, because they have below-average warming expectations and attractive tourist sites, Casinos.us says.
The casino website says its predictions are based on climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Data from the U.S. Travel Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other sources was also used to consider each state’s attractions and other travel-related criteria.
The rankings of Alaska as the No. 1 tourist hotspot in 2050, followed, consecutively, by Montana and Wyoming, aren’t “just about the weather,” says Erica Prush, a data manager and researcher at Casinos.us. “It’s about how these states are poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change, leveraging their transportation infrastructures, natural landscapes and tourism potential.”
Alaska stands No. 1, “largely because its vast, wild landscapes are expected to become more accessible and appealing as the planet warms,” Prush explains. “Despite concerns over melting ice and rising sea levels, Alaska’s unique position offers opportunities for renewable energy exploitation and an extended tourist season, which could offset some climate impacts.”
Montana ranks No. 2 because of “robust natural resources and strong focus on preserving its breathtaking landscapes,” Prush says. “As temperatures rise, Montana’s diverse ecosystems, from prairies to mountains, are expected to attract more outdoor enthusiasts, boosting its tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.”
Ranking No. 3, Wyoming “stands out for its low population density and significant natural areas, offering a kind of climate refuge,” she says. “Its investment in sustainable transport and infrastructure, along with the draw of its national parks, positions it as a resilient state in the face of climate challenges.”
Besides Florida, 10 other states are expected to experience declining tourism in 2050 because of climate change, the Casinos.us research concludes. They are Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, West Virginia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey.
Among other factors, New Jersey is expected to have a high number of extreme weather events in 2050, and the state has seen decreased travel spending and hotel occupancy in recent years, Prush says.
