TM3 | Coastal and ocean-based tourism – a threat to the coastal environment or driver of restoration and sustainable development?

TM3

Coastal and ocean-based tourism – a threat to the coastal environment or driver of restoration and sustainable development?

Convener: Angelo Sciacca | Co-convener: Peter Haugan

Thu, 05 Jun, 12:45–13:45 (CEST)|Room 4

Blue tourism holds significant potential to drive sustainable development, protect marine ecosystems, and support local livelihoods. However, poorly managed tourism can strain fragile ecosystems and deepen socio-economic inequalities. Among its most pressing challenges is overtourism, which places pressure on oceans, leading to pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. Particularly, the rapid and often unregulated growth of cruise tourism stands out. Concentrating large numbers of visitors in ecologically sensitive areas, cruise tourism exacerbates these impacts, often offering limited benefits to local communities. This event aims to take stock of the scientific literature on the impacts of tourism on society and environment, and foster dialogue on policy pathways towards sustainability. Tourism is a large and rapidly growing ocean economy sector with large impacts on coastal ecosystem services including small scale fisheries. Can it be turned into a driver of restoration and sustainability?
Participants from diverse coastal regions (e.g. Mediterranean, Europe, Caribbean, Western Indian Ocean) will explore research insights and sustainable practices, emphasising the need to strengthen connections between science, policy, and practice. A core objective is to align scientific insights with policymaking and practical actions. Science offers critical evidence to understand tourism's impacts and design sustainable frameworks, yet its integration into policy is often limited. By convening researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, this event provides a platform to inform actionable solutions. Themes will include mitigating cruise tourism's socio-environmental impacts and advancing governance models that balance economic growth with ecosystem preservation. Interactive presentations and panel discussions will enable stakeholders to share experiences, identify commonalities, and develop cross-regional solutions. Participants will highlight best practices and propose innovative approaches to enhance decision-making, creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue tourism sector.
This event’s value lies in catalysing collaborations, fostering partnerships, and generating actionable recommendations. A policy brief will translate discussions into practical guidelines, promoting stronger connections between research, policies, and practices. By advancing this critical dialogue, the event offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to co-create solutions that balance economic development, environmental preservation, and community well-being.