Climate Change and Variability Impacts on Tourism Kilimanjaro Tanzania

The study examined impacts of climate change and variability on tourism with its social, economic and ecological implication. Potential factors affecting tourism resources and activities in KINAPA were assessed. Further, it examined perception of local communities on pattern of climate change and variability, vulnerability and impacts. Pattern of tourism season in KINAPA were identified. Analyzed socio-economic and ecological implication of Climate Change and Variability (CC&V) to KINAPA and adjacent communities were presented. Findings from the study show that natural, cultural and historical resources were affected by CC&V. Increased drought due to CC&V fosters forest fire, melting of the glacier and decreased hydrology. People perceived CC&V as changes in both rainfall and temperature pattern over time. Decreased glacier, dry-river beds, forest fire and outbreak of malaria was perceived as indicators of CC&V. Further the study reveal that tourism seasonality has changed from known schedule turning to clustered visitation in what was known as low season influenced by both climatic and non climatic factors.