Oceans as a Resource » Tourism and Ocean Resources

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

The importance of oceans for tourism and recreation
Different types of marine tourism activities
Economic benefits of ocean tourism
Environmental impacts of tourism on ocean resources
Sustainable tourism practices and management
Case studies of marine tourism around the world

Tourism and Ocean Resources

Oceans cover more than 70% of our planet and provide incredible opportunities for tourism and recreation. From pristine beaches to vibrant coral reefs, ocean environments attract millions of visitors each year, creating both economic opportunities and environmental challenges.

Key Definitions:

Marine tourism: Any recreational activity that involves travel to and stay at destinations featuring marine environments.
Coastal tourism: Tourism that takes place in coastal zones or areas adjacent to the sea.
Ecotourism: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people and involves education.
Carrying capacity: The maximum number of tourists an area can support without causing environmental degradation.

🌊 Ocean-Based Tourism Activities

Ocean tourism includes a wide range of activities that attract visitors:

Beach tourism (sunbathing, swimming)
Water sports (surfing, sailing, kayaking)
Scuba diving and snorkelling
Cruise tourism
Marine wildlife watching (whales, dolphins, turtles)
Fishing tourism
Island tourism

💰 Economic Importance

Ocean tourism contributes significantly to the global economy:

Creates millions of jobs worldwide
Generates foreign exchange earnings
Supports local businesses and communities
Provides income for coastal regions
Contributes to infrastructure development
Diversifies local economies

Environmental Impacts of Ocean Tourism

While tourism brings economic benefits, it can also place significant pressure on marine environments if not managed properly. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing sustainable tourism practices.

🌊 Physical Impacts

Direct damage to marine environments:

Coral reef damage from boats and divers
Beach erosion from development
Habitat destruction for tourism facilities
Trampling of sensitive coastal vegetation

🗑 Pollution Impacts

Waste and contamination issues:

Increased plastic waste on beaches
Sewage discharge from hotels and cruise ships
Oil and fuel leaks from boats
Sunscreen chemicals harmful to coral

🐾 Biological Impacts

Effects on marine life:

Wildlife disturbance from tourist activities
Changes in animal behaviour
Introduction of invasive species
Overfishing to supply tourist restaurants

Case Studies of Ocean Tourism

Case Study: Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef attracts over 2 million visitors annually and generates about AU$6.4 billion in tourism revenue. However, tourism has contributed to reef degradation alongside climate change and pollution.

Management approaches:

Zoning system to protect sensitive areas
Visitor education programmes
Eco-certification for tour operators
Reef tax to fund conservation efforts
Limits on visitor numbers in certain areas

Despite these efforts, the reef continues to face challenges from mass tourism, particularly during peak seasons.

Case Study: Maldives - Tourism-Dependent Economy

The Maldives is one of the world's most tourism-dependent economies, with tourism accounting for approximately 28% of GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange earnings.

Key features:

"One island, one resort" policy to manage tourism impacts
Luxury eco-tourism focusing on high value, low volume
Facing existential threat from climate change and sea level rise
Pioneering underwater tourism attractions (underwater hotels, restaurants)
Implementing coral restoration projects with tourist participation

Sustainable Ocean Tourism Practices

Sustainable tourism aims to minimise negative impacts while maximising benefits for local communities and environments. Here are key approaches to sustainable ocean tourism:

🛠 Management Strategies

Carrying capacity limits: Restricting visitor numbers to sustainable levels
Marine protected areas: Designating zones with different levels of protection
Seasonal closures: Allowing ecosystems to recover during specific periods
Environmental impact assessments: Evaluating potential impacts before development
Certification schemes: Recognising operators who follow best practices
Tourist education: Raising awareness about responsible behaviour

🏠 Infrastructure Solutions

Eco-friendly accommodation: Using sustainable materials and designs
Waste management systems: Proper disposal and recycling facilities
Water conservation: Reducing freshwater use in coastal areas
Renewable energy: Solar, wind and other clean energy sources
Mooring buoys: Preventing anchor damage to coral reefs
Boardwalks: Protecting sensitive coastal vegetation

Community Involvement in Ocean Tourism

Local communities play a vital role in sustainable ocean tourism. Their involvement ensures that benefits are shared fairly and that traditional knowledge informs conservation efforts.

🌏 Community-Based Tourism

Community-based tourism (CBT) places local people at the centre of planning and management. Benefits include:

Direct economic benefits to local residents
Preservation of cultural traditions and practices
Greater local control over tourism development
Integration of traditional knowledge in conservation
Authentic experiences for visitors

📊 Example: Palau's Conservation Success

The Pacific island nation of Palau has implemented innovative approaches to ocean tourism:

Palau Pledge: Visitors must sign an eco-pledge stamped in their passport
Green Fee: Environmental tax on tourists funding conservation
World's first shark sanctuary, boosting dive tourism
Ban on reef-toxic sunscreens
Community-managed marine protected areas

Future Challenges and Opportunities

Ocean tourism faces several challenges but also presents opportunities for sustainable development:

⚠ Challenges

Climate change impacts (coral bleaching, sea level rise)
Overtourism in popular destinations
Plastic pollution in marine environments
Balancing economic needs with conservation
Ensuring equitable distribution of benefits

💡 Opportunities

Growth in eco-conscious travel market
Technology for monitoring and reducing impacts
Marine conservation tourism (coral restoration, etc.)
Virtual tourism reducing physical impacts
Blue carbon initiatives linked to tourism

📝 Your Role

Choose eco-certified tour operators
Follow responsible tourism guidelines
Reduce plastic use when travelling
Learn about marine environments you visit
Support local communities and businesses

Key Takeaways: Balancing Tourism and Conservation

Successful ocean tourism management requires finding the right balance between economic benefits and environmental protection. Key principles include:

Precautionary principle: When in doubt, err on the side of conservation
Adaptive management: Monitor impacts and adjust practices accordingly
Integrated planning: Consider tourism alongside other ocean uses
Education: Inform tourists about the environments they're visiting
Local empowerment: Ensure communities have a voice in tourism development
Economic diversification: Avoid over-dependence on tourism alone

By applying these principles, we can enjoy ocean environments while preserving them for future generations.

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!