Disappearing destinations : recognising problems, meeting expectations, delivering solutions

Abstract

Indicators and lessons for the future

The erosion of coastlines and beaches will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to both recreation and tourism and consequently, the tourist economy of many destinations and regions in the future. There is still continuing uncertainty regarding climate change and the validity of current predictions but the fundamental question of whether coastal tourism destinations will have viable sustainable futures is a critical one facing many destinations today. It is clearly not an easy question to answer but the evidence from not only the case studies contained in this book but also from evolving research elsewhere, shows that there are a number of indicators and lessons from which we can draw some emerging themes and assumptions. Critical themes emerging from the cases discussed in this book suggest that there are a number of growing complex interactive relationships evolving between several dynamic forces which will ultimately determine the future sustainability of many coastal tourism destinations. These dynamic forces can be classified into seven key processes which include a changing dynamic, cyclic relationship between :

i) The extent to which problems and threats are identified, hazards predicted and recognized

ii) The impact of the media on interpreting key issues and threats from climate change

iii) The role of local governance and public policy making vis a vis local and strategic planning actions in combating perceived and actual threats - ensuring forward and long term planning strategies

iv) Accountability between alternative funding options and the roles and responsibilities between public and private funding streams

v) Predicting climate change hazards - making informed choices and decisions between ameliorative protective and /or adaptive measures : hard-soft-non response alternatives in this context

vi) Recognising and ensuring compliance with growing legal frameworks , legal litigation threats, insurance hazard and risk adverse management strategies

vii) Maintaining the economic, social and environmental well being of coastal tourism communities

These issues are explored in this final chapter