Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful economic engines, generating over 9% of global GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods. Yet this success increasingly faces a shared and urgent challenge: the growing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. 

In 2025 alone, record-breaking floods hit Southeast Asia, prolonged droughts affected southern Europe, and wildfires devastated large areas of the Mediterranean. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, more than 70% of key tourism destinations are now located in regions highly exposed to climate risks. These events not only disrupt travel plans — they threaten lives, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the very ecosystems that attract visitors. For the tourism sector, resilience is no longer optional. It is a strategic and ethical necessity. 

Tourism, climate disasters and corporate responsibility 

HBX Group has a Humanitarian Action Protocol in place to guide its response to natural disasters and social conflicts. This protocol is activated when a crisis reaches global magnitude, affects areas near HBX offices or employees, impacts regions with relevant business operations, or when support is requested by local authorities or travel partners. Once triggered, the protocol sets in motion a coordinated effort that includes assessing needs with local teams and NGOs, working with the Red Cross to establish secure donation channels, launching targeted fundraising campaigns in affected countries, matching employee donations globally, and exploring ways to mobilise HBX’s value chain to provide logistical or material support. 

In recent months, HBX Group has activated this protocol in response to two major climate emergencies: the DANA in Valencia, which caused severe flooding and disruption across the region, and the floods in Southeast Asia, where record-breaking rainfall affected communities and key tourism destinations. 

With a strong presence and active teams across Spain, HBX Group recognises the importance of contributing to local resilience — not only in response to emergencies, but also through prevention. In regions increasingly affected by climate-related risks, proactive volunteering can be a powerful tool for companies committed to sustainability. 

Ahead of the summer wildfire season, HBX Group mobilised 45 volunteers to support fire prevention efforts in the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In collaboration with Tramuntana XXI, the team worked to reduce fire risk by clearing over 754 m³ of flammable vegetation. Additionally, 74 m³ of organic material was selectively removed to be repurposed as soil enrichment and firewood, promoting circular practices and environmental care.

These actions help reduce fire risk and support the active management of Mediterranean forests, contributing to more resilient landscapes and communities. For companies operating in vulnerable regions, prevention-focused volunteering is not only a meaningful way to engage employees — it’s also a smart strategy to build long-term resilience in the destinations they depend on.

Tourism companies are uniquely positioned to strengthen destination resilience and accelerate recovery in the face of climate disasters. Their response can determine how quickly communities rebuild — and whether travellers continue to see those destinations as safe and welcoming.

 • Collaborating with NGOs and local authorities to assist in prevention and recovery efforts.

• Activating corporate volunteering networks, as HBX Group does, to intervene during critical moments.

• Investing in climate education for teams to foster awareness and preparedness.

• Designing climate emergency protocols that address evacuation, communication, and community support.

• Integrating adaptation measures into tourism products, infrastructure, and experiences.

• Supporting ecosystem regeneration through reforestation and natural space restoration.