Global warming not cooling travelers' wanderlust

By Sylvia Westall

BERLIN (Reuters) - Global warming's threat to the existence of the exotic resorts and beaches tourists crave has not dented holidaymakers' appetites for pollution-producing, long-haul trips, experts said at Berlin's annual tourism fair.

In his opening speech to the International Tourism Exchange fair earlier this week, German Economy Minister Michael Glos said climate change was a serious problem for the future of the travel industry.

A Deutsche Bank report demonstrated how the industry would suffer if the effects of global warming, including rising temperatures and water shortages, hit popular holiday destinations such Spain and Australia.

According to United Nations' research, tourism accounts for 5 percent of world carbon dioxide emissions, which scientists have linked to rising atmospheric temperatures.

But exhibitors at the fair say tourists so far are not that worried about the environmental cost of their holidays.

"There is heightened awareness, but does that mean people are willing to change their approach to travel? The answer is no," said Geoff Buckley, managing director of Australia's tourism board.

Online travel agency Expedia says it has seen no decline in the number of people taking long-haul flights and that climate worries are a peripheral concern for travelers.

"People are concerned about climate change but they don't want to change their habits," said Expedia spokeswoman Claudia Ressel, who added that holidaymakers were happier to contribute to carbon-offsetting schemes rather than travel less.