- Tourist guides are raising the alarm as Europe braces for another heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in Spain.
- An amber heat health warning is in place across large parts of the UK, affecting areas from London to Sheffield.
- Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill indicated that temperatures in the amber warning areas could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C.
- Following the death of a tour guide last summer due to extreme heat, Italian tour guides' associations have called for reforms in the cultural tourism sector.
- Gabriel Quentin-Gerbault, a tourist guide, noted that in extreme heat, some tours are modified to ensure visitor safety, such as changing bike tours to bus tours.
- Themis Halvantzi-Stringer, head of training for the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, suggests extending site opening hours to allow visits during cooler parts of the day.
Europe is facing another intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in Spain and an amber heat health warning in the UK, particularly affecting London and surrounding areas.12
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill warned that temperatures could reach 36 to 38C, potentially impacting infrastructure and public health.
Following the tragic death of an Italian tour guide last summer, associations are advocating for reforms in the tourism sector to protect both guides and visitors.
Gabriel Quentin-Gerbault, a tour guide, noted, “Most of my customers are above 60 years old and some do not support the heat.” He emphasized the need for adaptations such as changing walking tours to bus tours or visiting air-conditioned museums.5
The European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations suggests extending site hours to allow visits during cooler parts of the day, similar to practices in Greece.
As the UK braces for its hottest summer on record, the government is considering banning disposable barbecues due to their role in causing wildfires, which have become increasingly common amid climate change.
With the heatwave expected to exacerbate existing conditions, the situation remains critical for both tourists and residents alike.
“The heat has already proven deadly: last summer a 56-year-old Italian guide died after collapsing at the Colosseum, prompting tour guide associations to call for updated summer protocols. Meanwhile, the UK's Met Office warns temperatures could reach 38C, potentially making it the hottest day of the year so far.”
Euronews.com
The Guardian
