Developing a sufficient and effective coastal tourism model

Abstract

Coastal tourism is nowadays the most important tourism activity worldwide and its development is based on the optimal combined use of tourism resources available in the coastal region. Over-development of a destination, however, leads to significant environmental, cultural, economic and social impacts on communities and infrastructures of destinations. Important differentiations are, therefore, needed for re-designing existing destinations and developing new and under-developed ones in sustainable ways. This model must be based on a strategy to regulate, control and finance tourism development proposals using universally accepted rules and practices. It is concluded that sustainable tourism development of a certain coastal area requires the involvement of all stakeholders, as well as the strong commitment of the state to ensure broad participation and consensus. Sustainability in tourism is a continuous process that requires thorough impact monitoring and adoption of all necessary measures to prevent, suppress and/or correct all emerging problems on a case-by-case and day-by-day basis.