Water scarcity: a growing threat to tourism and business survival

By 2050, available water in rivers is expected to have reduced by 15% with some rivers seeing up to 80% less in the summer months.

Across the UK, many popular tourist spots are grappling with water scarcity—whether it’s from relentless droughts in sun-soaked regions or overwhelmed infrastructure in remote, rain-heavy locales.

As tourism continues to surge, the strain on these precious water resources intensifies, threatening both the environment and the local businesses that rely on them. But what can you do to reduce pressure on water sources?

Let’s dive in and explore the pressing issue of water stress in holiday destinations and how we can all play a role in relieving this growing crisis

Water stress on holiday

By 2050, we expect to experience significant water stress, with the available water being reduced by up to 15% (whilst demand is only increasing) and some rivers seeing up to 80% less water in summer. It might seem like quite a soggy summer so far, but this only evidences the state the climate is in. Human-induced climate change is driving an increased frequency of extreme weather events, like storms and droughts. It is therefore important we implement water-saving practices where possible, both at work and on holiday!

How tourist water stress threatens businesses like you

No matter what business you operate, access to running water is essential. As water becomes scarcer, you’re not just looking at rising costs – you might have to find new water sources or invest in water-saving technologies to keep things running smoothly. When water is limited, it can lead to service disruptions directly impacting your guests’ experience. After all, a negative guest experience can quickly snowball into bad reviews, a tarnished reputation, and lower sales. Plus, if you’re not proactive about water sustainability, you could face pushback from the local community, leading to tensions or even operational restrictions. In the end, water scarcity isn’t just a distant concern—it’s a direct threat to your business’s bottom line and long-term success.