As air pollution worsens globally, travelers are rethinking destinations and timing to avoid regions with toxic air, impacting economies dependent on tourism.
Daniel Seifert reports for BBC.
In short:
- New Delhi's air pollution levels recently reached 30-35 times above the WHO’s safe limit, posing health risks for residents and tourists.
- Countries like Bangladesh and Egypt, where tourism contributes significantly to the economy, struggle with severe air quality issues.
- Travelers are seeking destinations with cleaner air, influencing marketing campaigns and tourism trends in places like Tasmania and Canada.
Key quote:
"Smog was definitely an issue where we lived in Mae Sot [in Western Thailand]. Many times when we wanted to take a bicycle trip along the river, the air was so bad that we decided to stick inside."
— Bryce Merkl Sasaki, digital nomad
Why this matters:
Air pollution not only threatens health but also disrupts economies that rely on tourism. As climate change exacerbates these trends, access to clean air may become a luxury, limiting travel opportunities for many.
Read more: Copenhagen’s new initiative encourages tourists to be eco-friendly
