Travel insurer Churchill has published a report on the top 10 holiday destinations most at risk from climate change and tourism damage by 2020.

The sites include environmental pollution to Cologne Cathedral in Germany; environmental effects of the growing Himalayan ski market on Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and destruction from cruise ships in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The Future of Travel report advises that areas of environmental and historical significance should curtail visitor numbers through increased entry costs and additional taxes.

Visitor capping – where tourists either win or earn access to certain sites through a holiday lottery – could also be introduced to bring down the number of tourists.

Mike Ketteringham, head of Churchill, said: “By identifying areas at risk from tourist damage and climate change, we can encourage tourists who are visiting these places to consider the environmental impact of their visit and, in doing so, hopefully extend the life of the destination for future generations.” Details: www.churchill.com