A sunny summer is usually considered good news in the leisure sector. But as soon as warmth turns into extreme heat and drought, the picture becomes much less positive. Guests avoid outdoor activities, employees suffer from the heat, and sites become vulnerable to fire and sudden flooding. In a new sector report, ABN AMRO warns that companies must prepare structurally for these conditions.
See also: Recreation sector also starting to feel the effects of low water levels
The summer of 2026 makes it clear that extreme weather is no longer a theoretical future scenario. In June, a temperature of 39,4 degrees was recorded in the Netherlands. A month later, an average of only 12 millimeters of rain fell, compared to 79 millimeters in a normal July. The persistent drought increased the risk of wildfires. For campsites and other recreational businesses in forest and nature areas, this meant additional risks and, in some cases, even evacuations.
In the longer term, a warmer climate could also prove beneficial for Dutch tourism. The outdoor season would become longer, and activities such as cycling, swimming, and water sports could be offered earlier in the spring and later into the autumn. Moreover, the Netherlands could become more attractive to holidaymakers wishing to avoid the extreme summer heat in Southern Europe.
These benefits do, however, come with new vulnerabilities. Prolonged heat reduces the comfort of campers, especially on sites with few trees and little shelter. A tent, caravan, or holiday home without proper sun protection can quickly become unpleasantly hot during the day. Guests then need shade, cooling, and a pleasant indoor space where they can spend part of the day.
Rain also becomes a more complicated factor. After a long dry period, the soil can barely absorb the water from a downpour. The rainwater then flows across the site, causing campsites, accommodations, and technical facilities to become flooded in a short time. ABN AMRO therefore advises campsites and holiday parks not only to create more shade but also to invest in drainage and water storage.
Day recreation
For amusement parks, outdoor playgrounds, zoos, events, and providers of active recreation, the risk profile is also changing. During very hot hours, visitors stay away or shorten their visits. In the event of thunderstorms, storms, or the risk of wildfires, part of the facilities cannot be used. The financial damage can be substantial. During the June heatwave, several festivals were cancelled. Organizers had to refund tickets, even though a large portion of the preparation costs had already been incurred.
On the other hand, well-cooled indoor locations can actually attract extra visitors. During the heatwave on June 26, Pathé sold approximately 65.000 tickets according to the report, nearly twice as many as on a normal day. Extra matinee screenings were scheduled at a few locations. Indoor playgrounds, museums, and other covered attractions can fulfill a similar function, provided their climate control systems are designed to handle the extra cooling demand and higher visitor numbers.
Food & Drinks
In the hospitality industry, the consequences are less clear-cut. Ice cream parlors, beach pavilions, and terraces with sufficient shade benefit from summer weather. However, during extreme heat, guests leave during the hottest hours. Some restaurants then close for lunch and do not reopen until the temperature drops. The menu is also adjusted, featuring lighter dishes and products that require little preparation in a hot kitchen.
It is precisely in that kitchen that the temperature can rise even higher than outside due to ovens, stoves, and fryers. This makes the work physically demanding. As a rule of thumb, ABN AMRO states that labor productivity decreases by approximately 2 percent for every degree Celsius increase in temperature starting from 25 degrees. According to TNO, more than 350.000 employees in the Netherlands are exposed to heat stress during their work.
At the same time, the risk of food spoilage increases and refrigeration systems and air conditioners have to work harder. This not only leads to higher energy consumption. Older or poorly maintained systems can fail precisely when they are needed most. Preventive maintenance before the high season therefore becomes more important.
Extreme weather is therefore affecting more and more aspects of business operations: from staff planning and food safety to energy supply, insurance, and communication with guests. For recreation entrepreneurs, it is no longer sufficient to take a few isolated measures shortly before the arrival of a heatwave. The weather resilience of the business must become part of investment decisions and site layout.
Source and more information: Dutch companies must prepare for extreme weather conditions – ABN AMRO
What can a recreation entrepreneur do?
- Inspect the grounds and buildings for vulnerable spots during heat, drought, storms, and extreme rain.
- Provide more natural or artificial shade and create a cool living space for guests.
- Check the drainage and see where rainwater can be temporarily collected.
- Have air conditioners, cooling systems, ventilation, pumps, and other critical installations serviced on time.
- Document when work activities are adjusted or suspended and provide extra breaks and drinking water during heat.
- Develop an alternative program for days when outdoor activities are not responsible or appealing.
- Check if outdoor activities during heat can be shifted to the morning and evening.
- Make agreements in advance regarding communication in the event of cancellations, evictions, or sudden program changes.
- Check with the insurer which forms of weather damage and loss of revenue are and are not covered.
- Incorporate climate resilience into every renovation, site layout, or investment in new facilities.