Extreme Heat and Tourism in Spain: Impact of Climate Change on a Fundamental Economic Sector

Climate change has established itself as one of the most urgent and complex challenges of the 21st century, significantly impacting various economic sectors globally. In Spain, where tourism represents an essential pillar of the national economy by contributing approximately 12% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generating millions of jobs, extreme heatwaves are emerging as a growing threat to the sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector. This article examines in depth how rising temperatures influence tourists' decisions and analyzes the economic, social, and environmental implications for the future of tourism in Spain. Through an exhaustive review of academic literature, analysis of recent data, and inclusion of representative case studies, the negative impacts of extreme heat on visitor satisfaction and propensity to return are identified. The results show that elevated temperatures significantly reduce tourists' intention to revisit, directly affecting the financial stability of tourist regions and exacerbating regional inequalities. Furthermore, adaptation and mitigation strategies are proposed to strengthen the sector's resilience to climate change. These include diversifying the tourist offerings, implementing sustainable practices, and adopting efficient technologies that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Multisectoral collaboration and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals are highlighted as key elements to ensure a comprehensive response and guarantee the long-term viability of tourism in Spain.