Season 3 - Future
Opening Scene
Emma didn't book a trip to northern Sweden because it was famous.
She booked it because the forecast promised 22°C.
Back home in southern Spain, temperatures had climbed above 44°C for days, forcing cafés to close their terraces and emptying city streets before noon.
The journey wasn't about seeing somewhere new. It was about experiencing a climate she feared might become increasingly rare.
Origin
From summer escapes to places built to withstand a changing climate.
Tourism has always followed the climate.
For centuries, travelers escaped harsh winters in search of warmer beaches, while mountain resorts flourished because they promised reliable snow. Climate was simply part of the scenery.
Today, it has become the destination itself. As global temperatures continue to rise, researchers are increasingly using the term climate haven to describe places expected to experience comparatively lower climate risks over the coming decades. These areas are not immune to climate change, but they may face fewer extreme heatwaves, greater freshwater availability, lower wildfire exposure, or stronger infrastructure capable of adapting to new environmental conditions.
The Phenomenon
Southern Europe has experienced repeated summer heatwaves that have broken historical temperature records. Wildfires have disrupted holidays in Greece, Portugal, Spain, and parts of Italy. At the same time, destinations once considered "too cold" for summer vacations, including Scandinavia, the Scottish Highlands, parts of Canada, and Iceland have seen growing international interest.
Industry analysts increasingly describe this as a redistribution of seasonal tourism rather than a simple increase or decrease in visitors.
The trend extends beyond vacations.
People searching for second homes, remote-work destinations, or retirement locations are beginning to consider climate projections alongside internet speed, healthcare, or property prices. Climate resilience is gradually becoming another factor in destination competitiveness.
In other words, geography is being revalued.
