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Amid Europe’s record-breaking heatwave, France has experienced a sharp decline in tourist numbers, largely due to the lack of air conditioning in many popular attractions and public spaces like museums—several of which have temporarily closed. The tourism industry is quickly adapting by incorporating air-conditioned vehicle tours into travel plans to help visitors cope with the intense heat.
A Chinese expatriate living in Europe for 18 years, who operates a tourism business in Paris, shared that air conditioning units are flying off store shelves across the city, with many sold out and only a few priced at several hundred euros remaining. He pointed out that office buildings and shopping malls, which do have air conditioning, have become popular escape spots from the scorching heat.
Most European attractions are historic sites, museums, and galleries, and many of these do not feature air conditioning—most only offer fans. As a result, some museums have started closing early to prevent issues related to extreme heat and overcrowding, he explained.
Chinese tourists typically visit France in large numbers during the summer months. However, a driver and tour guide working in the country noted that, due to the heatwave and the ongoing FIFA World Cup—drawing visitors to Mexico, the U.S., and Canada—the number of Chinese tourists has roughly halved this season.
“It’s also quite hot in the UK, but perhaps a bit milder than in France,” said a Chinese tour guide who has been living in Germany for many years and leads groups traveling between China and Europe. “We’re adjusting our itineraries accordingly.”
“For instance, we cancel or reschedule outdoor city tours for early mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler,” he added. “During the hottest part of the day, we focus on indoor activities to keep travelers comfortable.”
Regarding his company’s offerings, Arthur mentioned that most vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, allowing tourists to stay inside and make quick stops at iconic landmarks for photos. “During the hot afternoon hours, we can plan visits to air-conditioned indoor venues. We also schedule city tours during the cooler early mornings and evenings,” he said. “Plus, with the World Cup ongoing, we can locate venues with air conditioning to watch matches.”
Short-haul destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea are leading this summer’s outbound travel market, thanks to convenient travel options, attractive visa policies, and popular experiences, according to Shanghai Spring Tour. Meanwhile, medium- and long-haul trips are focusing on high-end cultural and immersive experiences, with cross-border study tours for teenagers emerging as a new trend.
European destinations like the UK, France, Switzerland, and Italy continue to grow in popularity.
“The travel plans for Europe were booked months ago, before the heatwave began,” said Wei Changren, founder of a travel industry analysis firm. “It looks like summer travel peaks will continue, but whether the recent high temperatures cause cancellations remains uncertain. It will depend on how long the heatwave lasts and the adjustments made by travel companies.”
He also noted that travel costs in Europe are likely to rise during this busy summer season. “Nonetheless, travel routes and methods have already changed this summer because of the extreme heat,” Wei added.
Zhou Weihong, deputy general manager of Spring Tour, mentioned that they are closely monitoring tour groups in Europe and adjusting their plans accordingly. “During the hottest times, we reduce outdoor activities and replace them with indoor programs, with a medical and emergency response system in place,” he explained.
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