Sustainable tourism plays an important role in marine and coastal management. The global tourism industry reached a significant milestone in 2012: for the first time in history, the number of international travelers surpassed 1 billion. By 2030, the number of travelers is set to grow to 1.8 billion. 12 of the 15 top international destinations these travelers visited were countries with coastlines.
International tourism generates around $6.5 trillion USD/ year (or $3 billion USD per day), and in 2013 travel- and tourism-related industries represented approximately 9.5% of the total global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Tourism supports directly and indirectly more than 1 in 12 jobs around the world.
However, tourism activities can have a devastating environmental and social impact unless they are managed appropriately.
Understanding how to promote, manage, and support sustainable and responsible marine and coastal tourism is critical for marine and coastal managers, leaders, and decision-makers. More and more, the tourists themselves demand greater responsibility and sustainability in marine tourism. They are willing to pay more for products from companies that show a commitment to social responsibility and often chose their hotel depending on the support it gives to the local community.